A couple of months ago we wrote about the importance of monitoring pests. High summer is the time to look out for Box tree caterpillars. The first sign is often not the caterpillars themselves, but the webbing that they leave amongst the foliage. If not dealt with promptly these caterpillars will completely defoliate plants.

Defoliated Box Hedge

Roses will be in full bloom by now and regular dead-heading will keep the display going. Also keep on dead-heading summer bedding in borders and containers and make sure that you keep containers watered and fed.

July is a good time for pruning late spring flowering shrubs like Wisteria and Philadelphus. For Wisteria cut out the new long, whippy growth, taking it back to 6-7 buds. For Philadelphus cut out older flowered wood as next year’s flowers will form on this summer’s growth.

If the weather is warm and dry, make sure that you keep clematis well watered and if possible shade the root area. It is also helpful to water regularly in greenhouses. Quite a lot of tomato problems can be traced back to irregular watering, the most common being blossom end rot.

Now that they are in full growth it is the perfect time to prune stone fruit like cherries and plums. Pruning at this time of year will help to minimise the risk of silverleaf infection.

Lift early potatoes as and when needed to enjoy them at their freshest and once the foliage dies back lift garlic bulbs ready for storage (or indeed making garlic butter for your new potatoes).

New Potatoes at their best