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July by Tom Petherick

July is the hottest month of the year and while it is the best time to enjoy the garden by being in it rather than working in it this month has its fair share of problems that must be attended to keep the garden looking beautiful. In this summer of drought with hosepipe bans in place by very early spring we should have means in place to cope and ideas up our sleeves about areas that would normally take a lot of water.

Here are some important tasks to do at this time of year. Some you may have done already but its not too late to catch up with them now.

LAWNS
July is the toughest month for lawns because it is when they get the most use and need the most water. As watering is the option least available it is important to look for ways to conserve moisture. Mow less often and keep the cut high. This puts less stress on the grass and will encourage it to grow. Aerate the lawn once a week by gently forking the surface.

ROSES
Cut flowers regularly and deadhead any blooms that have gone over. Compost the blooms.

BEDS AND BORDERS
Deadhead here too as often as possible and cut out as much flowering stem as you do this. Delphiniums that have flowered can be cut to the ground as this will encourage a second burst of flowering growth. Tie in dahlias, especially the more vigorous varieties and deadhead after flowering. Remove flowered of any sweet peas that you have not picked, especially those that are producing seedpods.