Summer’s Here… Let the Gardening Fun Begin

Summer’s Here… Let the Gardening Fun Begin: Summer has officially arrived…hurray! And what better way to soak up the sunshine than by diving into your garden and finally reaping the rewards of all that hard work? Whether you’re a green-fingered guru or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, there’s no better guide than the one and only Nick Hamilton.

Nick, owner of the fabulous Barnsdale Gardens, Britain’s largest collection of individually designed gardens (38, to be exact!), has spent decades getting his hands in the soil. With a passion for organic, peat-free gardening, Nick knows what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep your garden looking spectacular all summer long.

Ready for some top tips? Here’s Nick’s expert advice for June and July gardening greatness:

June Jobs: Get Growing!

• Pinch Out Tomato Side-Shoots
  Indoor cordon tomatoes are taking off, and so are their side-shoots! To keep them growing strong and productive, remove those little shoots that pop up where the leaves meet the stem. It’s a small job that makes a big difference to your final crop.
• Deadhead Those Tulips
  Tulip season may be over, but your job isn’t done. Snip off the old flower stalks (not the leaves!) to stop the plant from wasting energy making seeds. This helps ensure an even better bloom next spring.
• Cover Currants & Gooseberries
  Birds love berries as much as we do. Pop some netting over your currants and gooseberries now, and you’ll be picking juicy, un-nibbled fruit before you know it.

July Jobs: Feed, Fight & Flourish

• Feed Your Roses
  Repeat-flowering roses need a summer pick-me-up! After the first flush of blooms, give them a good feed to keep the flowers coming. Hungry plants = happy roses.
• Protect Your Brassicas
  Cabbage white butterflies are out in force, and their caterpillars can do serious damage. Keep your brassicas safe with eco-friendly options like Dipelor nematodes…your cabbages will thank you!
• Trim Back Oregano
  Herbs love a summer haircut. Cut back your oregano to encourage a fresh flush of tender, tasty leaves…perfect for cooking. Want to help the bees too? Let one clump flower for beautiful blooms and a pollinator paradise.

Happy gardening – and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!  For more from Nick and a visit to the incredible Barnsdale Gardens, visit: barnsdalegardens.co.uk

For all your gardening needs check out Mountfield’s products on their website here: www.mountfieldlawnmowers.co.uk

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