An abundance of warm and dry weather means that there is a lot to do to keep our gardens looking at their best. Watering becomes a critical activity as we give plants a helping hand in the heat, the vegetable patch is cropping heavily, and the lawn is in full use as a place to relax in the sun.
Things to do this month
- Have a watering plan in place if you are going away. Ask friends, family and neighbours to pop in, or set up an automatic watering system.
- Containers are especially vulnerable in hot weather as the plants in them have less soil from which to obtain water.
- Keep paths looking good by dealing with any weeds that appear between the cracks.
- Turn the compost heap. Keep it active, keep adding to it, and enjoy the many benefits that homemade compost will bring to your garden.
- Leave a pile of twigs and seeds heads aside for wildlife to feast upon before they hibernate in the autumn.
- Trim hedges before their growth slows in the autumn.
- Pick pretty flowers, such as Dahlias, for displaying in the home or as a gift to a neighbour or friend.
- Top up bird baths and ponds. Water will evaporate quickly in the heat of summer.
- Make sure you have found time to sit back and relax in your beautiful garden!