Homebase reveals their top garden tasks for July
The summer months of July and August typically experience some of the sunniest weather of the year.
Gardeners need to use this opportunity to let the sun do most of their hard work and let the warm temperatures produce some fast-growing veg for their kitchen table.
Britons may be tempted to sit back and relax in their garden during the sunny days of these months, but don’t miss this opportunity to sow some incredible veg to boost the veggie patch.
To assist gardeners with what vegetables they should be sowing before the end of August, Sean Lade, a gardening expert and the director of Easy Garden Irrigation, has shared some advice.
He said: “As August draws near, the opportunity to plant a significant amount of summer vegetables is dwindling.
READ MORE: ‘Cheap household remedy’ to ‘rejuvenate’ cut flowers – it keeps them ‘healthier’
“Even the most dedicated gardeners can lose track of time, so here are some important dates and tips for planting some of our favourite vegetables before it’s too late. Timing is crucial, and we want to ensure you don’t miss out.”
1. Lettuce
Growing times can vary depending on when gardeners want to harvest their lettuce. Sow outdoors from March to August for a summer crop. Ensure there is total exposure to sunlight and moisture-retaining soil.
Sean said: “Plant every two weeks to ensure you have multiple harvests throughout the season. Once the lettuce plants have sprouted and are about two inches tall, thin them out, so they are spaced about six to eight inches apart.
“This will give the plants enough room to grow without becoming overcrowded. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.”
Don’t miss…
‘Deter’ pigeons from gardens instantly with flower colour that signals ‘danger’[EXPERT]
Natural 29p liquid that ‘kills more weeds than weed killer’ on gravel driveways[TIPS]
‘Precise’ area lavender plants need pruning – ‘crucial’ for ‘healthy growth’[INSIGHT]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
2. Spring onions
The gardening expert classed spring onions as “easy vegetables to grow with minimal effort involved”. Gardeners just need to plant their seeds from March onwards every three weeks for regular harvest until September/October.
Plant the seeds or seedlings in well-draining soil in a sunny location. Water the plants regularly and thin out any crowded seedlings.
Fertilise the soil with a balanced fertiliser according to the package instructions. Harvest the spring onions when the tops are about six to eight inches tall.
3. Cabbage
There is plenty of variety when it comes to cabbage. It depends on what season you’re growing for. There is winter cabbage and summer cabbage.
For “successful cultivation” of cabbage, it is recommended to plant the seeds or seedlings at a spacing of 18 inches apart and a depth of one inch. Sean said: “Adequate watering is necessary for the proper growth of the plants, which can be done in either spring or autumn.”
4. Spinach
Spinach is a plant that can “thrive” in colder temperatures and can grow well in areas with partial shade or sunlight. However, overexposure to sunlight may “cause it to bolt”.
To plant spinach, sow the seeds directly into the ground or chosen location, spacing them approximately four inches apart. Once the leaves have grown large enough, they are ready to be harvested.
5. Pak choi
For pak choi, gardeners want to make sure they sow late spring-early summer for a good harvest. Sunshine and fertile soil should result in a “plentiful harvest” when ready.
Source: Read Full Article