JOBS AHEAD
Hedges can be given a final trim now so they look good over winter. Start by cutting the top flat and then trim the sides, ensuring that the top is narrower than the base. Always check that any young birds have fledged from their nests before cutting.
Clip evergreen box and yew balls on a dry day to reduce spore spread and ensure there is good air circulation around your plants to reduce the risk of box blight.
Keep container plants watered and feed with a liquid fertiliser every fortnight, even after heavy rains, as leafy foliage may prevent rainwater from reaching the compost.
By August, Lady’s Mantle, Alchemilla mollis, will start to lose colour on those frothy, lime-green flowers so snip off the flower stems and any growing leaves to encourage a flush of new foliage.
Roses can be prone to blackspot and other fungal infections at this time. Be vigilant of this, and pinch off any affected leaves quickly to avoid the spread of disease.
Keep hydrangeas well watered and feed every fortnight with a liquid fertiliser to moist soil to encourage and prolong blooming right into September.
Using shears or secateurs, lightly trim lavender plants after flowering to keep their shape compact and to promote new growth. Trim spent flowering spikes back and take about 2.5cm from the leafy growth at the tips of shoots. Doing it now once it’s finished flowering gives the plant time to put on a little growth before winter.
Plant autumn crocus now in gaps in borders for an early autumn display of those low-growing, leafless, goblet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, violet, and white.
Maincrop potatoes can be harvested once they have flowered and should be ready to harvest through August and September. Make sure they are completely dry before storing in a dark, dry place.
Fill gaps left from harvesting by sowing spinach, lettuce, rocket, Pak Choi, kale, and chard.
Hardy vegetables sown over summer such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spring cabbage can be planted out now so that they are ready to be harvested throughout the winter months.
If you have a glut of ripe gooseberries, blackberries, autumn fruiting raspberries, or other berries, pick them and either freeze (initially on trays individually) for storing, or make them into jams to enjoy.
If you have apple or pear trees, it is best to pick as much fruit as possible now before they are at risk of being blown down by wind during autumn months.
If you have squash or pumpkin crops, cut away any leaves that may be covering them, as exposing the plants to sunlight will help to ripen the skin more effectively.
Once you have harvested tomatoes, use the space to sow quick cropping salads like rocket, endive, and mizuna.
Continue to look for any disease on your greenhouse plants, and treat as quickly as possible. Common pests at this time of year can include whitefly, vine weevil, and spider mites.
As the evenings start to get cooler, close greenhouse vents, doors, and windows at night to lock in warmth. Remember to open again in the morning to avoid the build up of excessive temperatures during the day.
Established clumps of chives can be lifted and divided now to make more plants for free.
Cut back perennial herbs now like thyme and oregano to encourage a new flush of tasty leaves to harvest before winter.
If you have been growing basil outdoors, bring it indoors as temperatures start to fall and continue to grow it in pots on your windowsill.
Keep up the good work!