Top tips for gardening in July

Roses

Roses can be deadheaded to prolong the display. By cutting back to an outward-facing leaf encouraging new shoots, a second display in the autumn can be achieved. Rose fertiliser that is high in potash, well watered in and around the bush will give a boost for any new shoots. Don’t forget that if you have planted Roses for autumn, deadheading is not for you.

Dahlias

Remember to stake your Dahlias if you didn’t do so at the time of planting. Staking now will save disappointment in the autumn when strong winds blow. If you planted new plants this year, make sure you have removed the terminal bud to encourage side shoots, you may well have to start disbudding this month if you require larger blooms. Please see our recipe for success for care instructions. For instant colour, we have a good selection of large pots of Dahlias available, all ready to fill that gap in the border.

If you haven’t completed your bedding scheme this year, we have a selection of nursery fresh bedding plants in trays available, as well as larger pot grown plants that are ideal for an instant impact.

Hedge maintenance

Trim hedges this month as the birds should have finished nesting. Conifers need to be kept under control by regular annual clipping. It’s then possible to create a thick hedge of the right height and width. Leylandii may require a second trim in October to control this fast-growing variety.

Garden vegetables

Early potatoes should be ready to harvest in July. It’s best to dig just one root and, if after inspection the tubers are too small, leave them for a week or two. Be sure to keep them well watered to assist the tubers to swell.

Watering is crucial for a successful crop of indoor Tomatoes. Never let the plants get dry to prevent the development of blossom end rot that appears as a sunken brown patch on the fruit. Feed with Tomorite at every other watering for a bumper crop.

Contact our friendly team

Browse our range of plants, tools and accessories at our garden centre in St Albans – perfect for gardening in July.

For more information, contact our friendly team on 01727 822255 or email us on info@aylettnurseries.co.uk.