Pat’s Jobs for July

1. Top of the list for July is pruning wisteria, taking back that whippy growth to 2 to 3 buds from the main stems.

2. Sweetpeas should be flowering by now so make sure to keep cutting the blooms and give them a feed and plenty of water. They cease flowering quickly if not picked twice a week. 

3. Deadhead all your perennials and annuals regularly unless you want them to set seed for next years sowing.

4. Early flowering shrubs eg Deutzia should be cut back now to include thinning out old stems. Any later and you risk losing next year’s flowers.

5. Allow some annuals to set seed and self sow for early flowering next spring. 

6. If taking cuttings of pelargoniums, only use healthy plants that have been previously fed and watered well and are free of rust.  

7. Divide bearded irises by lifting and splitting and discard central very woody rhizomes. Cut back the foliage to 6 inches and replant in a sunny spot with the rhizome exposed.

8. Lift first early potatoes now and second earlies by the end of the month. If left in the ground too long the slugs start munching them. 

9. Remove side shoots on tomatoes regularly…amazing how quickly they grow if not spotted. 

10. Provide cover at the edge of ponds for frogs and other creatures to hide and shelter. 

Pat  K