The month of July is almost over, and it’s been a fantastic one in terms of weather. Much of the UK was basking in a heatwave for several days this month, and while this was great for making plans, it could mean your garden is in need of some TLC.
There’s still some time to get outside and complete one key job that must be done before the end of the month. That’s according to Pim Dickson, a horticulturist at Fothergill’s, who has shared some of the most vital last-minute tasks that gardeners should squeeze in over the next few days. And if you want to encourage more flowers in your garden, one job should be top of your list.
The expert has recommended sparing a few minutes to check your garden plants – specifically for any dead or dying flowers.
Pim said: “Take a wander around the garden with a pair of snips in hand and just remove any blooms that have finished flowering. This will not only tidy things up but also greatly extend the flowering season by encouraging more blooms to appear.”
Deadheading can be done at any time of the season, but if you’ve got plants in the garden that experience a late flush of flowers in the year – like chrysanthemums or geraniums – then July is the ideal time to do it.
Similarly, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to take a look at your garden shrubs and give them a little care if it’s needed.
Pim explained: “If you have any early flowering shrubs that finished their displays, then now is the last opportunity to trim them back. This way they’ll look nice and tidy for the summer holidays and still have time for their new growth to mature and put on the very best displays next year.”
How to deadhead your plants
According to the experts at the Royal Horticultural Society, the easiest way to deadhead your plants is to pinch or snap off faded blooms with your finger and thumb.
You want to remove the flower. with its stalk, in order to keep your plant looking its best.
However, if your plants have thick, tough or stringy stems, it’s recommended that you use secateurs, scissors or a knife to deadhead them.
Just cut away the dead flower, making sure to position the cut just above the next bud or leaf on the stem.