Summer is really here! But there is still plenty to keep you occupied, mowing and cutting back will help to tidy up your garden - but this is the time of year where you can start to really enjoy the fruits of your labours.
Some things to keep an eye on:
Weeding and Deadheading - do this to maintain beds, borders and container displays. Pruning shrubs and trimming and dividing perennials will ensure that they give a good show next year and their neat appearance will set off your summer flowering plants.
Remember to water young and new plants depending on the weather conditions - don't let them dry out! The sun tends to get much warmer in june so keep a close eye on your plants - if you want to retain moisture in the soil, spread an organic mulch over bare soild after rain/watering to retain as much moisture as possible.
If you're like me you will enjoy sitting out on the lawn and enjoying a good book, glass of wine or even a good snooze - make sure you mow your lawn and trim the edges regularly. You can begin to lower the cutting blades on your mower now to add even even sharper look to your lawn. If the grass is looking tired, or there are a few patches forming, add a liquid feed to green your lawn. It is always important to mow your lawn in a different direction each time you do it (at least once a week, if not twice) - if you cut in the same direction each time the grass will begin to grow in that direction and you won't be able to cut it as well. If the weather gets really hot (here's hoping!) and the lawn begins to brown, reduce the frequency of your mowing and raise the blades so not to put too much stress on the grass.
It is still possible to plant container grown plants, but it isn't advisable to plant out woody plants as they will need a lot of attention due to the hotter weather. It may be preferable to use a stop gap (such as summer bedding) to add instant colour to the garden, and then plant something more permanent in the Autumn.
House plants - even if you don't have access to a lucsious garden, your indoor plants may still benefit from a little stay outside! Indoor plants rarely get enough sunlight, no matter how sunny the wondowsill is - once the weather is warm why not give your plants a much needed holiday and set them outside during the day (or in the greenhouse if you have one), you will find that the plants will look much healthier as the layer of dust is removed and air can pass through the pores in the leaves much better.
These few tips are designed to help with everyday gardens - if you have a specific question for the team please email us with it and we will answer you straight back (as well as posting it onto our website so everyone else can benefit) - greengardenguide@hotmail.com
