July - the OUTDOOR MONTH

Whether it be BBQ's, camping in the garden, enjoying afternoon tea or just lazing in a hammock, July is definitely the best month for enjoying your garden.
I can't quite believe we are in July already, and I seem to be busier than ever.
I recently saw an ad on Facebook, ordered a tonne of soil improver on a whim, and didn’t really consider that it needs distributing around the garden.
It's pretty smelly, and the dogs love to roll around in it, but as I keep saying to anyone who will listen, the soil here is so poor, stony, weedy, dry etc so I’m willing to try anything.
July sees the garden full of flowers and looking at its best, jobs this month are all about giving your garden what it needs to stay looking spectacular all summer long.
Deadheading bedding plants and early summer flowering shrubs is one of the most productive ways of spending your time, often resulting in a second flush of blooms. Trim back and feed regularly.
Get snipping  - tender perennials such as Fuchsia for propagation, pot up now so they develop a root system to survive the winter. I’m having a go at Clematis this year, in the hope I will have new plants to sell next Spring
Catch veg while at its peak and harvest regularly, limit tomato growth by pinching out the growing tip and side shoots. My mini allotment has gone into overdrive, lots of fresh lettuces, spinach etc
If you have any seeds left, now is a good time to sow beetroot, carrots, dwarf French beans, lettuce and radishes in any gaps.
As long as there isn’t a drought, it’s worth feeding the lawn, treating moss and weeds, and spiking to improve water retention and drainage. During dry weather, raise the blades on your mower, allowing the grass to grow a little longer helping to keep it greener.
Look after containers and baskets. They have a tendency to dry out really quickly, so give them a good soaking at least once a day in sunny weather.
If tomatoes are still in the greenhouse, keep well watered/fed and increase humidity to stop them from spoiling.
Give houseplants an airing by putting them outside for a few weeks

Clear filters and pumps in ponds, remove any blanket weed and top up with rainwater from water butts for happy fishes and keep birdbaths clean and topped up for our feathered friends
Compost as much as possible so it is ready to dig in during Autumn
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Stay home, stay safe everyone