The fruit garden
Top fruit such as apples and pears routinely produce more fruit than the tree can bring to full ripenessThey naturally shed lots of these immature fruits during June in what is known as the ‘June drop’but this is rarely enoughso it is a good idea to come along afterwards to finish the jobnot least because this prevents trees from overdoing it one yearand needing to take a year off the nextThin out fruits that are clumped closely together so that just one or two is left at each pointand picture the ideal size of the final fruitThe idea is to ensure that each remaining fruit has enough space to achieve it.
Flowers
The challenge through July is to keep flowering going for as long as possibleespecially in repeat-flowering perennials and roses and in bedding plants and annualsTo this end it is a good idea to spend a little time each week going around and nipping off spent flowersOnce flowers are overthe plant receives the signal that all pollinating has been doneand it is time to move on to the next phase setting seed and they lose all drive to keep floweringBy continually thwarting their seed setting mechanism we keep them in flowerRegular doses of liquid fertiliser will also help to keep plants blooming all through summer.
Lawns
You can keep mowing all through this monthbut it is a good idea to stop during droughtshould one hitLawns can start to look a bit tired in July so if you have the optionset your mower blades a little higher than you did in early summerwhich will help the grass to put up with the ravages of summerIn dryhot weather the grass may start to develop brown patches but do not panicThere is no need to get the sprinkler out as it will green up as soon as rains reappearand they’re never too far away.
Greenhouse
The greenhouse can become overheated on hot days which can lead to plant stresswilting and leaf burnand will increase the need for wateringIt is sensible to have some shade netting in place now or if not then to paint the glass on the outside with shade paintwhich will deflect some of the raysYou can leave the doors and any windows open day and night nowand during hot spells you should ‘damp downinside water the floor to cool the temperature each morning and again in the afternoon.,
