As the summer sun shines brightly, the months of July and August present a wonderful opportunity to cultivate a vibrant garden. In this blog post, we'll explore the ideal plants to grow during this period, utilizing Heritage Products Premium Planting Topsoil and Organic Peat Free Compost. We'll also discuss essential care techniques, including watering and weeding, and how to protect your garden in case of another heatwave. Let's dive in and create a thriving summer oasis!
Choosing Heritage Products, Premium Planting Topsoil, and Organic Peat Free Compost for Summer:
Enhance your plants' growth by using Premium Planting Topsoil, a nutrient-rich blend that supports root development, and Organic Peat Free Compost, promoting sustainability and enriching soil fertility.
Recommended Plants for July and August:
During these sunny months, a variety of plants thrive in the UK's summer climate. Consider these options for a vibrant and fruitful garden:
Summer Flowers and Ornamentals:
- Sunflowers
- Cosmos
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Zinnias
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
- Geraniums
Summer Vegetables and Herbs:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Beans (both bush and pole varieties)
- Courgettes
- Salad greens (lettuce, rocket, spinach)
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
Summer Watering and Caring for Your Plants:
Proper watering is vital during the warm summer months. Consider these watering tips to keep your plants healthy:
- Water deeply and thoroughly, ensuring the moisture reaches the root zone.
- Water in the early morning or late evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
- Monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust watering based on the specific needs of each plant.
- Mulching around plants with Woodland Mulch or Ornamental Bark Mulch is a smart gardening practice that helps conserve moisture, prevent weed growth, and regulate soil temperature, creating an optimal environment for plant growth. With its natural appearance and ability to break down slowly, these mulch options not only enhances the aesthetics of your garden but also nourish the soil over time.
Summer Weeding:
Weeds can compete with your plants in summer for nutrients and water, so stay diligent with weeding to maintain a healthy garden:
- Regularly inspect your garden and remove weeds as soon as they appear.
- Use hand tools or a hoe to carefully extract weeds, ensuring you remove their roots.
- Apply a layer of mulch around plants to prevent weed growth and reduce weed competition.
Weeding Made Easy: Mastering Effective Techniques, Tips, and Tools
Protecting Your Garden in a Summer Heatwave:
If another heatwave strikes, take the following precautions to safeguard your plants:
- Provide shade using shade cloth, umbrellas, or by strategically placing potted plants to create shade.
- Increase watering frequency during extreme heat, ensuring plants receive ample hydration.
- Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient and targeted watering.
- Apply an extra layer of mulch to insulate the soil, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Conserving Water During a Hosepipe Ban:
Conserving water becomes paramount during a hosepipe ban in the UK, as it ensures that essential water supplies are preserved and used efficiently. Implementing water-saving strategies in your garden can help mitigate the impact of the ban and maintain the health of your plants. Here are a few tips on how to conserve water during a hosepipe ban:
- Collect and reuse water: Set up rainwater harvesting systems by placing barrels or containers under downspouts to collect rainwater. Use this collected water for watering your garden, potted plants, and containers. Additionally, save the water used for rinsing fruits and vegetables or boiling eggs and reuse it in your garden.
- Optimise irrigation methods: Switch to more efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses. These systems deliver water directly to the root zone, minimizing wastage through evaporation and runoff. Adjust the frequency and duration of watering to match your plants' needs, ensuring deep and thorough watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
- Mulch your garden beds: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, around your plants and garden beds. Mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, reduce evaporation, and suppress weed growth. By keeping the soil consistently moist, you can reduce the frequency of watering required during the hosepipe ban.
- Water strategically: Water your plants during the cooler parts of the day, either early in the morning or late in the evening. This reduces water loss through evaporation and ensures that plants can absorb moisture effectively. Avoid watering during hot and sunny periods to minimize water wastage.
- Prioritise water-sensitive plants: During a hosepipe ban, prioritize watering for plants that are more vulnerable to drought stress, such as newly planted specimens or those in containers. Consider grouping plants with similar water requirements together to focus your watering efforts where they are most needed.
Remember:
Compliance with the hosepipe ban is crucial for responsible water usage and preserving water supplies. By implementing these water-saving strategies and being mindful of your garden's needs, you can continue to care for your plants while conserving water during a hosepipe ban in the UK.
Conclusion:
July and August offer a splendid opportunity to create a thriving garden in the UK. By using Heritage Products: Premium Planting Topsoil, Organic Peat Free Compost, and mulches you provide your plants with the best possible start. Remember to water diligently, stay on top of weeding, and take measures to protect your garden during a heatwave. Embrace the beauty of the season and relish the joy of a flourishing summer garden. Happy gardening!