Supporting plants
As we settle into the heat of July, our garden borders often hit a turning point. The combination of intense sunshine and occasional heavy downpours can trigger a sudden, rapid flush of lush growth that many plants simply cannot support…
Cut back delphiniums
By the time July rolls around, many of our garden borders start to look a bit worn out, particularly the towering delphiniums that provided such a dramatic display earlier in the season. If yours have finished their initial flowering, do…
Cut back hardy geraniums
If you have hardy geraniums that have finished their first flush, now is the perfect time to give them a bit of tough love. Don’t be afraid to cut these plants right back to the ground. It might feel counter-intuitive…
July tomato care
July is a pivotal month for anyone growing tomatoes outdoors in the UK. By now, your plants should be well-established and likely starting to set their first trusses of fruit. The weather can be unpredictable, but the warm summer days…
What to do in July
× Unlock Your Newsletter! Discover effortless gardening secrets. Get expert articles, time-saving tips, the best plant advice, special offers and author book updates delivered directly to your inbox on the second Tuesday of every month. Signing up also gives you…
Best way to water containers in a heatwave
As the summer sun hits the UK, our container gardens can quickly turn from lush, vibrant displays into parched, struggling pots. When the mercury rises, the limited soil volume in containers dries out much faster than garden beds, leaving your…
Leave a saucer of water out for hedgehogs
When we think about helping hedgehogs in our gardens, most people immediately jump to food—meaty cat food or small dog biscuits. While nutrition is important, we often overlook the most basic necessity of all: fresh, clean water. By the time…
Continue putting out fat balls for birds
There is a common misconception that once the spring flowers have bloomed and the weather turns mild, our garden birds no longer need a helping hand. Many people pack away their feeders as soon as May ends, thinking the natural…
Remove dark green shoots from Euonymus fortunei
Variegated Euonymus fortunei is a wonderful, hardworking plant in the garden, providing year-round structure and bright splashes of colour. Whether you have ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’ or ‘Emerald Gaiety’, those variegated leaves are usually the whole reason you chose the plant…
Time to prune your weigela
When it comes to keeping your weigela healthy and vibrant, timing is everything. The ideal window for pruning is right after the shrub finishes its initial bloom, which typically falls between June and July. By waiting until the flowers fade,…