JULY GARDEN TIPS

So our hopes of fairer weather in July are not being realised, this rain just seems to go on and on. Well that calls for a change of plan with the garden jobs this month.  Growth is taking over with all the water, that includes the weeds and have you noticed the size of the slugs! Your plants need protection from wind and rain as well as the predators. Too much water needs draining.

LAWNS

Regular mowing is now required but remember to vary the blade height according to the weather, not too low if we have a dry spell. You should spike your lawn at least fortnightly to allow rainwater to drain as well as feed the roots. Use fungiscides to rid the lawn of dollar spot and corticium and renovate any damaged areas

ROSES

In order to have continuous flower it is important to dead head the wilted buds.  The wind has been a factor so make sure to support the growth with the right sized stakes. Remember to hoe the soil around the base for aeration.
 

HERBACEOUS BORDERS

July should bring colour to your herbaceous borders.  However the weather is taking its toll especially on the long stems of foxgloves, dahlias, alstromarias etc. All need to be staked.  Bedding plants need dead heading and it is important to weed your beds to stop weeds stealing all the nutrition.  Tie up irises, cut blooms as you like and then cut them back when finished flowering. You may need to spray lilies and make sure to pick the sweetpea to keep it flowering. Hostas are the favoured meal for those slugs (they are huge this year) so wheather you use beer traps or slug pellets they need protection.
You should  have lifted your tulip and daffodil bulbs for storing , too much damp soil will cause them to rot. Trim and store for replanting in late autumn.

TREES & SHRUBS

Keep any grass away from the trunks of shrubs and trees. And remove any self sown trees such as sycamore or ash. Prune such shrubs as wisteria, cut back softwood from shrubs.Take care with disease on the rhododendrons and azaleas.

HEDGES

Clip hedges monthly from now on but do remember all the little birds and their nests. A trick to ensure straight lines is to lay a line on the ground parallel to the hedge to be clipped, then clip the lower foot or half meter of the hedge. Then place a rod or stick in the hedge to mark the rest and cut back to the marker.

PATIOS & DECKING

Decking is taking its share of water damage this year. Make sure to keep them clean and free from algae which is thriving in the damp. A nasty fall on slippery surfaces is not what you want . Power hose the deck and re oil whenever you get  a dry afternoon.  Pots may  need  watering but don’t overdo it, remove dead heads and top dress the pots

VEGETABLES

Plant main crop carrots, peas, spring cabbage lettuce. Manage the watering levels , don’t overdo it. Tomatoes should be staked, don’t forget regular watering and don’t forget the weeding . Watch out for potato blight and also white butterflies laying eggs on cabbage. Harvest any vegetables as soon as they are ready.  Don’t forget the herbs, dill and chervil can be sown now.

monkeypuzzle.ie will be delighted to help with any of the above or any other garden or landscaping matters.  Please call Daragh at 012897751