Adam Kirtland on the three key jobs that’ll keep your garden blooming lovely for weeks to come

Now is the time when the garden is in its prime. Colour is everywhere, fruit and veg are ripening fast, and borders are buzzing with pollinators. But before you sit back, admire and hang up your trowel, there’s still plenty to do – like deadheading, feeding and watering. All make a real difference to how your garden performs. And if you’re away on holiday, planning ahead will help keep everything looking good while you’re gone.

Keep Deadheading for Continuous Flowers

Deadheading is the simplest way to prolong flowering. Snip off spent blooms on dahlias, roses, cosmos and sweet peas to keep energy focused on new growth. Not only does this tidy things up, it can give you weeks more colour.

If you’re growing hanging baskets or containers, they’ll need a little extra love. Feed them every week with a high-potash liquid fertiliser and water daily in warm weather. Even a missed day can see them wilting, so consider setting up an automatic watering system if you’re planning to be away.

Watering and Feeding Wisely

With longer, warmer days, water becomes your most important tool. Focus on watering thoroughly and less frequently to encourage deeper roots. Early morning or evening is best to reduce evaporation. Veg plants, especially tomatoes, cucumbers and beans, need consistent moisture now.

Feeding is just as vital. Tomatoes benefit from a weekly tomato feed once the first fruits appear, while cucumbers and courgettes appreciate a balanced fertiliser every fortnight. If you mulched in spring, top it up now to keep the soil cool and moist.

Harvesting and Sowing for Late Crops

Now’s the time to start harvesting regularly. Pick courgettes while still small, lift first potatoes, and enjoy salads and herbs fresh from the garden. Keep picking beans to encourage more to form, and don’t let anything go to seed unless you’re saving it on purpose.

You can still sow plenty in July too. Try beetroot, lettuce, chard and spring onions for an autumn harvest. Direct sow into well-watered ground and keep young seedlings shaded during the hottest part of the day to help them get established.

Support Tall Growers and Check for Pests

Climbers like sweet peas, runner beans and cucumbers need regular tying in to keep them tidy and productive. Tall dahlias, delphiniums and sunflowers may need a bit more support as they get top-heavy.

Watch out for common summer pests like aphids and cabbage white caterpillars. A regular inspection helps keep things under control. Encourage natural predators like ladybirds and birds by keeping a wildlife-friendly corner in the garden.

Final Thoughts

This is the time that’s all about enjoyment as much as action – flowers, food and sunshine all wrapped into one. Whether you’re picking ripe tomatoes or sipping tea among the blooms, take time to appreciate the rewards of all your earlier efforts.

Gardens thrive on consistency, and a little regular care will keep yours looking its best. So, water well, deadhead often, and take a moment to admire how far your patch has come. Summer doesn’t last forever – make the most of every golden day. Happy gardening!