 Phew what a scorcher most of June was. Brilliant for growing provided you water and feed plants regularly BEFORE they need it. I know it's difficult with the busy lives we have but keeping the plants watered and fed gives better results. We have all done it...come home and seen a plant all wilted, feel guilty and quickly over water it. The next day it is looking better of course but you can only do that a number of times before your crop will be poor. So, water a lot in the heat, early morning or later in the evening especially if you are on a free draining soil or in a pot. The other alternative is to set up an irrigation system. I have them taking water from my water butts' for the greeenhouse and the hanging baskets. They are very reasonable these days and work from solar power. If anyone wants to see my set up just email me and will be glad to offer help  Dead head roses, and bedding plants all the time to encourage new growth. Peas, beans need picking to encourage more growth (and they taste so much better young) and peppers, melons and tomatoes all need pinching out to encourage more vigorous growth to fruits already developing. I pinch out the toms after 5 or 6 trusses and peppers when they seem to be getting bushy on top. The plant cannot support hundreds of peppers so don't be too greedy.....once you have 20 or so fruits be brutal and cut out others, for now anyway.  The other issue you must attend to is summer feeding of your plants. If in doubt any veg in a pot can have a liquid feed - tomorite or other tomatoe feed. I do mine every 2 weeks once the first fruits set. That is the cucumbers, toms, peppers, chillies, sweet potatoes and herbs. I also feed on a monthly basis from now to September lilies, hanging baskets, onions and shallots. A lot of people don't bother and always wonder why someone else's flowers or veg look more beautiful or larger or healthier (back to the wilted plant earlier)  So July we are harvesting salads, herbs , peas , carrots , first early spuds at the end of the month, beans , over wintered garlic, currents and soft fruits. Pay back time for the hard work earlier in the year. Our pea and mange tout crop this year is enormous so I hope it is for you all too. Keep sowing salads, keep watering and feeding, and don't be afraid to pinch out...it really does give a better crop in the end ( I couldn't bring myself to do it for Years…all those lovely buds prematurely cut down!)
Lastly check for pests and dispose of them in your own way (squishing aphids and black fly between your fingers is a favourite) and if anyone has a guaranteed way of moving moles on let me know as I am contemplating dynamite now - it won't make more of a mess than what has already been done. . Send in any questions or photos...what is your favourite plant / veg you like to grow? My favourite is sweetcorn which I sowed into 3 inch pots in May and planted out on the 13th June (see picture). It is the best eating experience from your garden you can Have…. I’m drooling in anticipation…. To [email protected] Chris Comments are closed.
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