‘A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing and the lawn mower is broken’ James Dent.

June – So many plants are in flower. Keep the garden well fed throughout the summer.

• Hoe borders frequently to reduce the weed growth during the summer.

• Plant up hanging baskets and patio pots with summer bedding such as geraniums, lobelia, and petunias.

• Pinch out, side shoots on tomatoes.

• Start harvesting lettuces, radishes, beetroot, and early potatoes.

• Dead – head flowers on bedding plants and roses to encourage longer flowering. If you’re not sure how to dead head check out this link – https://www.rhs.org.uk/garden-jobs/deadheading-plants

• Mow the lawn weekly, but not too closely.

• Prune spring flowering shrubs.

July – Mow your lawn regularly to prevent it going yellow through the summer.

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• Dead – head summer hanging baskets and containers. Water and feed them regularly.

• Keep tomatoes well fed and watered through the hot weather.

• Add support frames to perennials such as Nepeta, Geum and Dahlias.

• Harvest courgettes regularly to prevent them getting to big.

• Dead – head roses.

• Clear algae and blanket weed from your pond and keep it topped up with water.

• Use a liquid feed on your lawn to keep it looking good. Water and cut your grass regularly.

August

• Keep watering. August is usually the hottest month of the year. Keep an eye or the news for possible hosepipe bans in your area.

• Harvest your vegetables.

• Cut perennials for use as flowers in the home.

• Plant perennials for late summer flowers – https://www.thesecretgardencentre.co.uk/about-us/seasonal-advice/bedding-plants-2/perennials/

• Most importantly, enjoy your garden.