THE GARDEN IN JULY

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 4, 4 July 1940, Page 19

THE GARDEN IN JULY

It is very easy to be deceived into thinking- that winter is over after a spell of fine weather, but almost invariably we get the coldest and roughest weather during- July and August, with some quite cold spells till the end of- September. It is not wise, therefore, to sow or plant anything but the hardiest of subjects till conditions are more settled. In very favoured localities greater liberties may be taken with better prospects of success.

July is usually a cold, wet month, so that gardening* work is largely at a standstill. Whenever conditions are favourable and the ground fit to work, digging* and trenching should be proceeded with, but it is not good policy to attempt this while the soil is sodden, especially if the ground is of a clayey nature. Advantage should be taken of every fine spell to turn weeds under, and as far as possible/ to loosen the surface soil around any growing crops. Rhubarb and asparagus may be planted on well-prepared beds.

Other things which may be planted this month are shallots, garlic, tree and potato onions, cabbages, lettuces, and horseradish. Early potatoes may also be planted, but only where the ground is light and well drained, and lies well to the sun. Broad beans are practically the only vegetable to sow this month. Early peas may be tried where the conditions are favourable, and onions may also be sown if the beds can be got into suitable condition.

Autumn-sown onions may be planted out. The pruning- of fruit trees should be undertaken, starting with stone fruits-—peaches^ nectarines, plums, and cherries 4 Bush fruits should be pruned Without delay. The planting of fruit trees should be done as soon as possible. Where there is any danger of the trees being buffeted by wind, provide supports at the time of planting. In the flower garden there is much to be done in tidying «P» Egging" over the beds, and turning weeds under* When the ground is wet less damage will be done by putting* down a board to stand on. A good deal of weeding1 and forking may be done from the paths and round the edge of beds without actually getting on to them. Planting and pruning of roses should be continued. All varieties of herbaceous plants, such as Michaelmas daisies, heleniums, delphiniums, aquilegias, geums, phloxes v and Japanese irises, etc., may be planted out now. The ground should be deeply dug and well manured before planting. Attend, to the needs of sweet peas by keeping 4 them free from weeds and supplying bushy branches for them to climb on. A dressing- of soot will keep down insect pests, and also help to feed the plants. Pork round clumps of bulbs, taking care not to damage the young- growth just pushing 1 through Gladioli conns may be planted for early flowering*. Hardy annuals may be sown in the open ground. The warmest, most sheltered position should be chosen for the seed beds.

This column is intended principally for gardeners with small plots, and the aim is to make it as practical and useful as possible. Inquiries on any matter of gardening interest will be welcomed. All communications must be accompanied by the name and address of the ivriter, not for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. This is your column—make use of it.