Feels Like Summer
Feels
Like Summer
Well here we are again, early July and wondering what the
weather is going to do?
As I write the long-range forecast seems to show that
things are going to be changeable in July with high pressure in August
hopefully bringing warm dryer weather. So don’t put the wellies away and keep
the sun block handy is all we gardeners can hope for.
So watering will probably be needed at some point, always
remembering not to over water. Onions are best not watered unless under drought
conditions, this is because onions grown hard keep much better through the
winter.
I have found the best way to have the weather work for you
is to have plenty of organic matter in the ground or on it if you practice the
no dig method. This helps to retain moisture as apposed to watering, roots head
out into this moisture retentive layer in search of nutrients and a good root
system leads to healthier and better vegetables.
Of coarse in wet spells watering by hand (far more better
than using a sprinkler, this wastes more than is of benefit) is avoided, though
weeds also thrive, so during dryer weather keep the hoe busy knocking back the
worst.
I do bang on about the use of the hoe, it is one of my
favoured tools, my current one resembles a flattened out 9 iron golf club, has
sharp edges on three sides and is near perfect for the job of weed eradication.
Hoeing in dry weather can save hours of hand weeding it also keeps the top
layer of soil friable cutting out capillary action, so acts as a mulch
preventing the drying affect of the sun and wind.
And of coarse there is so much said in the adage if you hoe
when you don’t have weed you wont get any.
Another way to prevent moisture loss is by adding an
organic mulch of well-rotted compost at a depth of 2-3 inches.
It used to be that July was thought to late to sow any more
vegetables, but see the list below for some last minuet options.
I have seen Rocket sown in spring and bolt by late June or
early July and though the seed packet recommends an early sowing the problem is
that Rocket flowers at this time of year so it would seem that a later sowing
about now or even as late as August would provide better results, with wild
rocket being a better option, as it will survive a mild winter as a perennial
especially if grown under cover.
Sowing
and planting
- Sow spring cabbage,
turnips, Oriental vegetables, chicory, fennel, and autumn/winter salads.
- Carrots can still be
sown, but beware of carrot fly when thinning existing seedlings.
- Last chance to sow
French beans and runner beans (south of England only).
- Plant out leeks and
brassicas for a winter supply, if not yet done.
General
care
- Ensure all vegetables
get a regular, consistent supply of water. This will aid healthy
development, and help to avoid diseases, disorders and bolting.
- Continue to hoe off
weeds in dry weather. Done in wet weather, the weeds are liable to
re-root.
- Climbing beans may
also need stopping, to maximise cropping on existing side shoots. Stop
them when they reach the tops of their supports.
- Beans need sufficient
watering to help the seedpods set.
- Check climbing
vegetables are securely tied to supports.
