In the Garden

During hot weather, hanging baskets and containers should be watered at least once a day. Water early in the morning or in the evening to prevent rapid evaporation.

In the garden, water directly at the soil rather than on the plant leaves to avoid scorching. It is better to water borders thoroughly once a week if required, rather than a splash of water every day. 

Water level in ponds will fall in hotter weather, so top up once a week with rainwater from a butt.

Towards the end of July is a good time to trim hedges as birds will have stopped using them for nesting.

In the Borders

Summer bedding can now be planted in the borders, after the risk of frost has passed. Keep the plants well-watered for the first month.

Encourage sweet peas to climb by tying the stems regularly into supports.

Deadhead and feed flowering plants like petunias, morning glory, and fuchsias with a high potash feed once a week to keep flowers coming.

Remove spent rose blooms as they fade and feed to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Lift congested clumps of bearded iris after flowering and carefully divide the rhizome to make new pieces. Cut the fan of leaves at an angle about 10cm from the root, and replant the pieces.

Cut down tatty foliage from early flowering perennials like Alchemilla mollis and hardy geraniums that will respond with a flush of fresh leaves. 

In the Veg Beds

Pinch out the tops of runner beans when they reach the top of supports to encourage side-shoots to grow further down the plant. 

To ensure carrots are not decimated by carrot fly, cover the crop with fine woven mesh netting.

Cover the exposed roots of sweetcorn by mounding up the soil to improve anchorage.

Quick crops such as lettuce, spring onion, spinach, and salad leaves can still be sown outdoors.

In the Fruit Cage

Apple, pear, and plum trees will start to drop fruit in June. Called the ‘June Drop’, this is a way for fruit trees to improve remaining fruit size, colour, and quality. Thin out if needed to improve the process.

After the last strawberries have been picked, gather the leaves together and cut them back to a few centimetres above the crown to expose fresh leaves.

In the Greenhouse

Place some French marigolds around tomato plants to help repel aphids.

Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes and begin to feed once the first truss starts to set fruit.

In the Herb Bed

Trim herbs like parsley, sage, sorrel, and marjoram regularly to ensure a constant supply of tasty leaves.