THE GARDEN IN JULY

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 152, 30 June 1938, Page 29

THE GARDEN IN JULY

Work in the garden during July must be governed by soil and weather conditions very largely. July is usually a wet, cold month and consequently work is at a standstill until the ground gets dry enough to dig. Whenever conditions are favourable and the land fit to work digging and trenching should be proceeded with, but it is not good policy to attempt this while the ground is sodden, especially if of a clayey nature. Working such grounds while in that state results "inward lumps which, when dry, are exceedingly difficult to break down. / ■ Take advantage of favourable conditions to remove weeds from growing crops and plants. It obviates a lot of harm if a board is put down to stand on while weeding when the ground is wet. Plant'rhubarb and asparagus on properly prepared beds. Both require deeply dug and liberally manured beds. ' Plant cabbages, cauliflowers, lettuces, shallots, garlic, and onions wheri the soil is fit to work. Seeds of broad beans, early peas, lettuces, radishes, and cabbages may be sown. The seed bed should be raised for preference to ensure better drainage and when possible a warm, sunny position should be chosen. The pruning of bush fruits and fruit trees should be proceeded with. \ Plant all kinds of fruit trees and bushes. Cut oil all damaged roots before planting and make the plants firm in the ground. If there is any danger of them being blown about stake them securely. Newly planted young trees should be cut hard back with a view to building up a sturdy tree of good shape and also to secure an even balance between root and top. In the flower garden the same remarks about working wet soil apply. Much work may be done from the margin of the beds without walking 6ver the ground. Rose pruning should be proceeded with. Gladioli corms should be lifted even if the tops have not died down. They are apt to decay if left in the ground. Many of the hardy apnuals rrfay be planted in warm localities and where this is possible much early blooms will v result. The planting of roses and ornamental trees and shrubs should be done this month. Be sure that the soil is thoroughly worked in among the roots. This is impossible with wet, lumpy soil, hence the need of some moderately dry, fine soil for the purpose. Chrysanthemums should all be cut down and have the soil round the old clumps loosened up to-encourage new growth. Dahlias should also' be cut down and the tubers lifted and stored where they will not be damaged by frost. All varieties of herbaceous plants may be planted out—paeonies, aquilegias, geums, heleniums, phloxes, Japanese irises, and Michaelmas daisies are among this class of plant. ' Sweetpeas require attention. If they are allowed to grow without support the growths lying about on the ground are liable to be 'attacked by pests.. The soil round spring-flowering bulbs and roots such as anemones and ranunculuses should be loosened up occasionally to admit air and any warmth there may be. Seeds of the hardiest annuals may be sown in the open ground. Choose the warmest, driest, and sunniest spot for the seed beds.