This Month in Your Garden - July

If the first of July be rainy weather, It will rain, more or less, for four weeks together. John Ray, English naturalist

It is easy to get caught out when there has been a fair bit of rain and not water containers and new plants. The question is: did they get enough water from summer showers? Often the answer is no, and you need to give hanging baskets, tubs and the border a good soaking to be safe. 

The Lawncare Guide - July

Aerate to oxygenate

At this time of the year, grass and soil microbes have a high demand for oxygen. It makes sense to aerate using a walk-behind aerator or aerating attachment for the garden tractor. This will help get oxygen to the roots and promote good drainage to avoid a build-up of thatch. Prolonged periods of rain and warmth will also promote growth of course, and there may not be the opportunity to mow before the grass becomes quite high. 

Lawn Care: Questions & Answers

Q How long should I leave the sprinkler running on the lawn, without wasting water?

The Vegetable Plot - July

Success with salads 

Who doesn’t like a good salad straight from the garden? Successional sowings of lettuce, endive and summer spinach will keep the salads coming. As tomatoes swell, they will benefit from a layer of well-rotted compost around the plants if you are growing them outdoors. Feed tomatoes when the first trusses set. 

The Big Glut - July

 Spaghetti with courgette and chilli 

A quick dinner for two which you can serve with a wedge of lemon and Parmesan cheese. From House and Garden

Ingredients

• 200g (6½oz) spaghetti
• 2 medium-sized courgettes
• 2tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• ½ long red chilli, sliced
• Extra virgin olive oil, to serve