Plants on sale now and looking good this month:
- Dahlias in pots are now available which are great for late summer colour.
- Agapanthus, Salvia, Gaura and Crocosmia all available and looking good now.
Top jobs for June:
Hoe borders regularly to keep down weeds.
Hoeing during dry weather, will keep weeds under control and stop all but the most determined perennial weeds from getting established. Persistent perennial weeds such as couch grass, thistles, bindweed and ground elder should be treated with a systemic weedkiller like Roundup now. These weeds can also be removed manually however be sure to remove all of the roots and do not compost them as they are likely to survive and spread. If the weeds are growing between plants you wish to keep use Roundup Weed killer Gel. Don’t be tempted to cut them back before application, because the more lush the leaves are the more likely you are to get a good result.
Be water-wise, especially in drought-affected areas.
But make certain that newly planted trees and shrubs are getting enough water and that it is actually reaching the roots! Trees need a minimum of two gallons a week. It is better to water thoroughly when you do. Watering “little and often” can do more harm than good as it encourages surface rooting which succumbs to drought when watering stops, if you forget or go on holiday. Avoid watering the foliage in sunny weather as this can cause leaf scorch. Better to water at the beginning or end of the day.
Pinch out sideshoots on tomatoes.
Gradually increase watering and ventilation as they grow bigger and the days get warmer. Support plants well and gradually remove the lower leaves as they turn brown.
Harvest lettuce, radish, other salads and early potatoes.
Position summer hanging baskets and containers outside.
Mow lawns at least once a week.
Don’t be tempted to cut your lawn too low! Raising the blades slightly now will give a harder wearing surface that resists dry periods better. Mow a little and often.
Apply a summer feed that is high in nitrogen. An After-Cut fertiliser works well.
Plant out summer bedding.
Stake tall or floppy plants.
Shade greenhouses to keep them cool and prevent scorch.
We sell shading by the metre or greenhouse paint which can be easily wiped off in Autumn.