Gardening During the Summer Months

As Ragdale Hall bursts into colour, filling the air with fresh fragrance, it’s a gentle reminder that, just like us, plants need certain essential elements to stay strong and healthy too! In this journal entry we spoke to our Head Gardener, Lee for expert advice on summer gardening.

Watering

As the weather warms up, water and ground temperatures rise, and rainfall tends to be less frequent. This makes watering essential because surface moisture evaporates more quickly during this time of year. Any additional water sources, such as harvested water in water butts, will be a welcome addition, as tap water doesn’t always have the natural benefits of rainwater. Ideally, the best time to water is in the morning so the water has a chance to soak into the soil before the day’s heat sets in.

If you have newly laid lawns, be sure to keep the turf well-watered to prevent drying out, which can cause shrinkage and unsightly gaps between the new pieces.

Preventing moisture loss

It can be a challenge for flower and shrub borders to retain moisture due to evaporation during the warmer months. To help keep the soil hydrated, try applying a mulch. Mulch can come in various forms, such as spent compost, stone chippings, or even chipped bark.

Before you apply the mulch, make sure the soil has enough moisture. Once applied, the mulch will act as a protective cover, helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds too. If your garden is densely planted, be mindful not to overwater, as the plants can provide shade and naturally help prevent moisture loss.

Sensitive plants

Some plants relish in warmer climates and direct sunlight, whereas some require a dappled shade to full shade. Exposure for some plants can be harmful, so if plant product labels are available when purchased, take the time to read the specific requirements and remember to water thoroughly after planting.

Cutting back plants

Keep an eye out for faded blooms and follow the process of deadheading. This process involves cutting off the flowers that have faded or are on the verge of going over. This simple activity encourages plants to produce further blooms and helps to keep the plants looking tidy for longer, extending the season interest. This method involves trimming or cutting shoots of plants down by a third, to promote repeat flowering.

Plant bulbs and take cuttings for next year

Late summer is a good time to plant autumn flowering bulbs, such as cyclamens varieties and colchicums. Take softwood cuttings midsummer, for those that need a semi-ripe cuttings, undertake this in late summer to early autumn.

Lawn care

Grass cutting is well underway, with this activity continuing until the grass starts to slow down in late autumn to winter (temperature dependant). Some turfs are more hardwearing than others but essentially, all need looking after. Prolonged dry spells can cause the grass to brown, so it’s a good idea the raise the height of cut, allowing the grass to grow and prevent water loss. If necessary, set up a sprinkler system.