Keep adding annual weeds and the leaves of perennial weeds, lawn clippings and other garden debris, plus uncooked kitchen vegetable waste, to the compost heap. Always mix grass clippings with coarser material otherwise it won’t rot down well. Adding a compost maker or compost activator will help speed up rotting and produce better compost.
Slugs and snails can still be a major problem at this time of the year. Make sure you check susceptible plants – especially hostas, delphiniums, vegetables and any newly planted young plants. Protect them with suitable barriers or controls like slug pellets or nematodes around susceptible plants and growing areas.
Pests and diseases will be very active this month. Check plants regularly and keep on top of any problems that do occur to ensure they don’t get out of control – early eradication is the key to success. Ready-to-use sprays ensure you have something ready to deal with the problems as soon as they are seen.
Topical tip
Lawncare:
- Regular mowing is the key to a great lawn. With temperatures and a little moisture, growth should be at its best so regular mowing will produce a beautiful dense turf. Regular means once a week
- If conditions are or become dry then growth will be slow but do mow at least every 10 to 14 days to control coarse grasses and seed heads
- Finally adjust your mowing height to suit the growing conditions and check that the blades are sharp and beneath the deck clean, it all helps
Greenhouse:
- Ventilate greenhouses and conservatories on hot, sunny days. Temperatures inside can soon soar and shading the glass will help keep temperatures at a bearable level.
For a detailed monthly Garden Diary, please see our web site Garden Diary