B&Q’s horticulture expert, Mark Sage, said: “Summer gardening isn’t just about enjoying your space, it’s about maintaining it. “And each month brings its own jobs that are vital for keeping your garden vibrant and productive.”
In June, the garden is said to “come alive” but it also “brings challenges” with it. Mr Sage warned that “weeds can quickly take over” the garden, so gardening maintenance is key. “It’s easy to overlook smaller jobs during this busy time, but a steady routine pays off,” Mr Sage promises.
He gave a few examples, including “taking your taller plants before they topple [and] training climbing roses while the stems are still flexible”.
Another smaller job is to harvest early vegetables “to make space for the next crop”.
Key gardening tasks in June
- Stick to a weekly weeding schedule to keep borders tidy.
- Regularly check for any pests and diseases and treat early.
- Thin out fruit trees to avoid overcrowding and net any fruit bushes to protect from birds.
- Feed plants weekly, especially those in pots and containers.
- Water early in the day and damp down greenhouse paths to maintain humidity.
- Stake delphiniums and sunflowers before they get too tall.
- Harvest early crops like rocket and potatoes – and sow your next round.
- Train climbing plants, such as roses, clematis and sweet peas, while new growth is flexible.
For July, you can expect vibrant flowers blooming, and fruit and vegetables growing.
“July is when your garden truly shines,” said Mr Sage, adding that “regular deadheading” is key during this time.
This is also the month where watering becomes crucial, especially for containers and hanging baskets.
“Feeding plants consistently will boost their health and productivity,” added Mr Sage.
“Remember to check your lawn care routine too, raising mower blades during hot spells to protect grass from stress.”
Key gardening tasks in July
- Deadhead flowering plants regularly to encourage new blooms.
- Water containers and baskets twice daily during heatwaves.
- Feed fruit and veg plants consistently, especially those in greenhouses.
- Raise your mower blades and trim lawn edges after every cut.
- Start sowing autumn crops like carrots, turnips, and lettuce.
- Harvest vegetables regularly to encourage more crops.
- Pinch out tomatoes, removing side shoots and tops.
During August, it’s the “perfect moment to start thinking about next year’s garden”, said Mr Sage.
“Keep your containers watered and fed, plant autumn-flowering bulbs to extend the season, and take note of what’s thrived and what might need rethinking.”
Key gardening tasks in August
- Harvest everything from beans and chillies to apples and blackberries.
- Water containers in the evening and feed flowering.
- Plant autumn-flowering bulbs like crocus and cyclamen.
- Stop feeding herbaceous perennials by month’s end to avoid late, frost-sensitive growth.
- Take photos and notes of what worked (and what didn’t) to help plan for next spring.
- Keep dead heading flowering plants such as roses, dahlias and bedding plants for more blooms.
