July

Midsummer brings annual plants bursting into flower turning your garden into a riot of colour.

Baskets and tubs too should be cascading with blooms. You may be astonished at just how enormous some of your perennials and shrubs have grown – make a note now so that you can move any overcrowded plants in the autumn or next spring.

 Many climbers will be at their best – jasmine and honeysuckle should be in full bloom, scenting the evening air with their perfume. In the kitchen garden lots of vegetables will start cropping this month and there will be blackcurrants and raspberries to enjoy as well.  If you are going on holiday either this month or next, try to plan any gardening activities around your break. There’s no point in sowing seeds or taking cuttings the week before you’re due to leave.

July and August are the hottest and sunniest months of the year. The number of hours of sunshine is highest in the south, but all parts of the country should enjoy plenty of sun and warmth. Because the sun is so high in the sky you will find that parts of the garden that are usually in the shade will get some sunshine – just make sure that you move any container plants that might scorch, such as acers or plants with golden foliage.

July is usually a dry month – the high rainfall of 2007 was very unusual – so watering is again top priority.

	Essential Jobs Checklist for July Prune shrubs that have flowered and feed them Take cuttings from many shrubs and alpines Water containers every day in hot weather Water borders if necessary, then mulch Clear excess pondweed Spray roses and feed Dead-head perennials and annuals unless you want to save seed Plant leeks and winter brassicas Prune trained fruit trees		Around the Garden and Home Flower Garden - July Kitchen Garden - July Containers - July Under Cover - July Lawns - July Ponds and Water Features - July
	Last Chance to… Sow biennials Feed roses