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July is a crucial month for gardeners. It is time to start thinking about setting up your garden for autumn as well as ensuring you keep on top of summer maintenance. Here are some essential tasks you should focus on: 1. Plant Autumn Bulbs July is the perfect time to plant autumn-flowering bulbs. These bulbs will add vibrant colours to your garden as summer blooms start to fade. • Nerines: These stunning bulbs are known for their clusters of bright, spider-like flowers that appear in late autumn. They prefer being slightly crowded, so plant them in groups for the best display. • Colchicum (Autumn Crocus): Colchicums bring a burst of color to the garden when many other plants are winding down. Ensure they are planted deep enough, around 4-6 inches, to protect them from late summer heat. • Sternbergia: Known as winter daffodils, Sternbergia bulbs produce bright yellow flowers that can light up a garden in autumn. These bulbs thrive in sunny, well-drained locations. 2. Support Tall Plants and Climbers Summer doesn’t necessarily always mean sunshine! Rainfall and wind can wreak havoc on tall plants and climbers. Ensure they are well-supported to prevent damage. • Tall Perennials: Plants like delphiniums, hollyhocks, and sunflowers can be particularly vulnerable to wind and rain. Use sturdy stakes and ties to support these plants. Place the stakes early in the season and tie the plants loosely to avoid constricting growth. Bamboo canes are an ideal choice for supporting tall perennials. • Climbing Plants: Climbers such as clematis, wisteria, and climbing roses need secure supports to withstand bad weather. Check trellises, arbours, and other supports to make sure they are in good condition. Use soft ties to secure the stems to their supports without damaging them. 3. Keep an Eye Out for Pests Summer gardens can attract a variety of pests that can cause significant damage if not managed promptly. Vigilance and early intervention are key to maintaining a healthy garden. • Common Pests: Look out for pests such as lily beetles, snails, aphids, and vine weevils. Regularly inspect your plants, especially the undersides of leaves, where pests often hide. • Natural Remedies: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and lacewings, which are natural predators of many garden pests. You can also use homemade sprays, such as a mix of water and mild soap, to deter aphids. 4. Watering Proper watering is crucial in July as the summer heat can quickly dry out the soil. Different plants have varying water needs, so it’s important to keep this in mind. • Thirsty Plants: Water plants such as celery, beans, peas, courgettes, pumpkins, and tomatoes regularly. These plants need consistent moisture to produce healthy fruits and vegetables. • Fruit Trees and Bushes: Water fruit trees and bushes deeply. After watering, lay a thick mulch of garden compost around their base to hold in moisture and prevent weeds from competing for water. • Watering Tips: Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the root zone, reducing water waste and promoting deep root growth. 5. Deadhead Plants Deadheading is an essential task to keep your garden looking vibrant and to encourage more blooms throughout the summer. • Bedding Plants: Remove spent flowers from bedding plants regularly. This not only keeps the plants looking neat but also prevents them from setting seed, which encourages them to produce more flowers. • Repeat-Flowering Perennials: Deadhead repeat-flowering perennials such as roses and geraniums to stimulate the production of new blooms. Use sharp pruners to make a clean cut just above a healthy leaf or bud. • Containers and Hanging Baskets: Don’t forget to deadhead plants in containers and hanging baskets . By focusing on these tasks in July, you'll not only ensure your garden thrives through the summer but also sets the stage for a beautiful autumn. Happy gardening!