Welcome to July in the garden. Most of the work needed to be done at this time of the year involves pruning and maintenance around the property.
Pruning
- Before you start pruning make sure you have good tools which are sharp and clean.
- Spray the plants to be pruned first to help stop the carry over of any pest or disease that may over Winter in any bits and pieces left on the ground.
- Only prune on fine days as wet conditions can help spread disease in new cuts.
- Only prune those plants that need it at this time of the year i.e. do not prune stone fruit in Winter as this can encourage silver leaf infection.
- Start pruning by cutting out those parts which may be in the way of paths or are diseased.
- Thin out any weak growth then prune to encourage fruit or flower production and shape.
- It is a good idea to clean tools between each plant as this will help stop any disease spread.
For a hands-on demonstration consider a Pruning Workshop with the CHS!
Other work
- Do a clean up of weeds in those hard to get to areas when plants are in leaf, around fences, in shrub borders, along paths and around foundations.
- Check over the lawn mower and get it serviced and sharpened.
- Remove any plants that are not at their best and prepare ground for planting replacement plants.
- Plant garlic and shallots, or if the ground is too wet plant in pots to transplant later in the Spring.
- Check over the greenhouse; clean the inside and repair any broken parts ready for the Spring.
- Sort out the seed packets and bin any that are past their use by date. Order new seeds so you're ready for Spring sowing and you know that you have all the seeds you need.
- Give spray equipment a clean out using ammonia to remove any residue and check seals and washers.
Good Gardening, Michael Coulter
Remember: questions can be posted on HortTalk or you can email Michael directly at coultchrys@xtra.co.nz