Summer is in full fling despite the wettest spring and summer on record. If, like me, you’ve been darting here and there to miss the downpours, trying to do some gardening in between and quite frankly failing, it can be rather down heartening at times. Yet, the garden continues to flourish.
Weeds will grow, so it’s paramount to keep on top of them. Removing the weed’s roots is the only way to guarantee that it will not return. Also, remove any flowers on weeds, as these will soon turn into seed heads that will be dispersed across your garden with the next gush of wind.
Plants may be a few weeks behind because of the cool spring, but they will soon catch up. With strong winds and heavy rain, it’s important to stake your plants. Ideally, you need to get your stakes and supports in place while the plants are young so that they can grow through them and hide the support. If you haven’t been able to get outside until now, continue to gently place your supports and tease the plants’ stems and branches through the support or use garden twine to tie stems to support uprights.
With the excess water, we can improve our soil's composition. By adding horticultural grit and well-rotted manure or homemade garden compost, we can loosen up the soil, allowing water to penetrate deeper. This additional humus will also help absorb some of that excess water. Adding a mulch of bark chippings and homemade garden compost will act like a sponge. By keeping an eye on the mulch and the soil, we can ensure that our plants thrive and their stems stay healthy.
Our beloved dahlias are putting on lots of growth and will soon be in flower. While earwigs may be a nuisance, we have a simple solution. Insert a cane next to each dahlia plant, pop an upturned pot on the top of the cane, filled with shredded paper. The earwigs will go into the shredded paper over night, so come the morning you can dispose of them as you see fit. Some dahlias may need the support of a sturdy, thick bamboo cane or wooden stake, but they're worth the effort. As the flowers fade, continue to deadhead to promote new growth and more flowers. With a little care, our dahlias will reward us with bunches of flowers every year for inside the home and still have plenty to fill our garden.
With the soil warming up, now is also the perfect time to sow delicious vegetables in the ground or pots and containers. Weed the soil, removing any large stones. Direct sow carrots, broccoli and Swiss chard alongside quick crops, such as lettuce, salad leaves, radish, spring onion and beetroot. Early in the summer, you can also direct sow companion flowering plants, such as calendula and nasturtium. If you missed the boat with sowing flowering plants you still have time during early summer to buy young plants or plug plants.
Fill your containers with fresh herbs. Position them outside the back door so harvesting is easy. Remember to keep on top of harvesting your herbs. If you don’t need them immediately, chop them up and place them in ice cube trays. Fill the trays with water, and when ready to use, simply pop the ice cube into your saucepan. Fresh herbs can, therefore, be enjoyed all year round.
All spring-flowering plants should be cut back in the summer. Roses that flower in June and July should be deadheaded to promote more flowers. Also, apply a liquid feed, such as homemade comfrey or tomato feed, around the base of roses. Sweetpeas will be flowering, but to prolong the blooms, it’s essential to keep cutting them and apply liquid seaweed feed to prevent plant stress. Pick a few handfuls for indoor displays. These will fill a room with their delicious scent.
All spring-flowering plants should be cut back in the summer. Roses that flower in June and July should be deadheaded to promote more flowers. Also, apply a liquid feed, such as homemade comfrey or tomato feed, around the base of roses. Sweetpeas will be flowering, but to prolong the blooms, it’s essential to keep cutting them and apply liquid seaweed feed to prevent plant stress. Pick a few handfuls for indoor displays. These will fill a room with their delicious scent.
With all the rain and strong winds, it’s important to check that your fences are upright and secure. Patios should be swept and cleaned to remove algae and mould. Decking, such as Millboard is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water is typically sufficient. It doesn’t require sanding, staining or sealing. The exact amount of cleaning will, of course, vary depending on the location of your deck, but cleaning twice a year will keep it in great condition.
We’ll also love to spend more time outside as the temperature rises. Creating that seamless link between the house and outside is key for forming an extra ‘room’. Add furnishings that match your interior décor. Perhaps add throws or loose scatter cushions that can be used inside and outside. If laying a new deck or patio, remember to take the measurements of any tables and chairs (with the chairs pulled out) so that it’s big enough to cater for everything.
Finally, remember to sit back, relax in your garden and marvel at everything you’ve achieved.
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