SUMMER PLANTING The start of high summer and hopefully warm weather and the ideal time of year to be planting so how should you deal with purchases at this time of the year The months of June and July are often dry and warm, and aren’t the best time for planting. The soil can be unforgiving and it’s easy to lose plants. But that shouldn’t stop you from buying and adding things into your garden and there are a few practical steps you can take to make sure anything you buy in summer thrive and add instant attraction – or be ready in place for the following year. In the hot weather your plants will be needing plenty of water so make sure that you are saving all your ‘grey’ water (old wash water etc.) and water either early in the morning or evening to ensure that the plants receive as much of the water as possible without it evaporating. You should cut back half of all perennials that have flowered, such as lupins and delphinums. If you are lucky this should persuade more flowers to grow later on in the season. You should also weed and deadhead regularly making sure that you check for any pests. All faded heads on the annuals should be removed and cuttings can be taken of non-flowering shoots of shrubs and climbers. You should take cuttings of fuchias, abutilions and heliotropes. In preparation for spring you should sow cinerarias and calceolarias.
PLANT FOR IMMEDIATE IMPACT Planting in summer is normally aimed at infilling any spaces in the border or other areas of the garden. It is important to maintain displays and there’s nothing worse than seeing that awkward patch of soil in the border which is crying out to be filled. Try adding groups of full-grown lilies into the border when in full flower. The same can be done with gladiolus corms planted to inject later colour. Even add your container pots of colorful plants or flowers which might be sitting elsewhere and would benefit by being added to a border.
WATER AND MORE WATER Planting in summer is different. The soil has to be extra especially well prepared using either home grown compost or well-rotted manure. This is vital to allow plants to move willingly into the soil. Dig holes for the plants, put the plant in 20
position and lightly backfill with soil but don’t firm in the soil and water in generously – at least one gallon per plant. If the weather is dry double that amount. This ensures as many roots as possible are in contact with the soil so that new growth can start immediately.
CUTTING BACK IN SUMMER Trim back flowering stems and even some growth if it is difficult to hydrate plants –it will help promote growth next year. Flowering shrubs such as lilac and forsythia should be pruned as soon as they finish flowering to encourage late flush of flower and you should also be removing seedpods from rhododendrons and azalea. While you are at it, spread compost or shredded bark around trees, shrubs and roses when the soil is moist to help contain valuable moisture during the hot weather. Clip hedges and topiary and feed them well.
DEALING WITH DRY CONDITIONS Lack of moisture in the soil together with high temperatures make planting difficult in summer months. Plants need to be fully hydrated before you plant them out. Stand the pot in a tray filled with water or immerse the entire plant in a bucket of water and wait until air bubbles cease to emerge. ‘Pudding-in’ is another system. Ensure the plant is well soaked – you can use half strength liquid fertiliser to water it. Dig a hole, fill with water then let it drain before placing in the plant. Tender perennials may need cutting back a little harder rather than just deadheading to create a bushier plant and to promote a good late summer display.
POTTING ON PLANTS Many plants you might buy in the summer are sold in small pots which restrict their root space and there is often not much space above the top of the compost in which water can sit, thus making watering inefficient. Even if you intend to plant out within a couple of weeks it is worth potting on simply because this will help when watering the plant. When you repot make sure there is a gap between the growing level and the pot lip to form a reservoir in which water can sit.
Country Gardener
