GARDENING DURING JULY & AUGUST: The Summer spotlight with West Coast Composting.
GARDENING DURING JULY & AUGUST
The Summer spotlight with West Coast Composting.
by Danni Murphy
For many gardeners, July and August represent the pinnacle of the gardening year. During these months, gardens burst with vibrant colours, vegetable patches yield a bountiful harvest, and wildlife thrives. However, the height of summer also presents challenges, including dry weather, rapidly growing weeds, and the necessity for consistent maintenance.
With a little care during this period, you can not only keep your garden flourishing but also prepare it for the changing seasons ahead.
Maximising Summer Blooms
Summer borders typically reach their peak during July and August. Plants such as roses, dahlias, lilies, hydrangeas and lavender provide spectacular displays that can last well into autumn with appropriate care.
The best way to encourage continuous flowering is through a process known as deadheading, which involves removing faded blooms. This practice prevents plants from expending energy on seed production and instead promotes new flower growth. Regular deadheading also ensures that flower beds, borders, hanging baskets and containers remain tidy and visually appealing.
Watering Wisely
While Cumbria is not known for blazing hot summers, it has been known to get a bit redders from time to time, especially of late. Watering is vital, especially for newly planted shrubs, vegetables, hanging baskets and container plants.
The best practice is to water early in the morning or late in the evening, allowing moisture to penetrate the soil before it evaporates in the day’s heat. It is far more beneficial to water deeply once or twice a week rather than giving plants a light, daily sprinkle that encourages shallow root growth.
Additionally, adding a layer of organic mulch around plants helps to conserve moisture, suppress weeds and improve soil quality as it decomposes
Harvesting Homegrown Produce
July and August are among the busiest months for kitchen gardens, with fresh vegetables and fruits ready for harvest, rewarding months of careful planning and cultivation.
Common harvests during this time include; tomatoes, courgettes, runner beans, carrots, peas… to name but a few.
Regularly harvesting small amounts encourages many crops, such as beans and courgettes, to keep producing throughout summer.
Fertilise for Growth
Rapidly growing plants that are producing flowers or fruits require additional nutrients in midsummer.
Varieties such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and flowering annuals greatly benefit from regular feeding with high potash fertilisers.
Weed Control
Warm temperatures and sporadic summer rain create perfect conditions for weed growth, which competes with garden plants for water, nutrients and sunlight.Regular hoeing or hand weeding can prevent weeds from becoming established. Removing them before they flower also decreases the likelihood of seeds germinating the following year.
Lawn Care
Lawns frequently suffer during extended dry periods.Take note, it’s good to let the grass grow. Instead of mowing the grass very short, allow it to grow slightly longer during hot weather. Taller grass provides shade to the soil, helping to retain moisture and alleviate stress on the roots.
Support for Tall Plants
As many summer flowers reach full bloom, they can become top heavy. Plants such as dahlias, gladioli, delphiniums and sunflowers may need extra support to prevent their stems from snapping in windy conditions or heavy rain.
Utilising bamboo canes, plant supports or soft ties can keep plants upright while maintaining an attractive display.
In a Nutshell: A Summer Gardening Checklist
- Water deeply during dry periods.
- Deadhead flowers regularly.
- Feed flowering plants and vegetables.
- Harvest fruit and vegetables frequently.
- Weed little and often.
- Mow lawns a little higher during hot spells.
- Support tall flowering plants.
- Check for pests and diseases.
- Sow vegetables for autumn harvests.
- Take cuttings and collect seeds.
- Plan for autumn planting and order spring bulbs.
Enjoy the Season
By staying diligent with regular watering, feeding, harvesting and overall maintenance, your garden can continue to thrive throughout the summer and maintain its health as it transitions into the cooler months. Gardening is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the end result, and there is no better time to embrace the beauty of a Cumbrian garden than during the height of summer.
Grow a gorgeous garden with; www.westcoastcomposting.com
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