Top tips for summer gardening

Well, summer is finally here and we thought we would give you some summer sizzling top gardening tips...

Help your pots to stay cool

Potted plants (especially those in terracotta pots) are vulnerable to overheating. Mulch where possible and position them out of the hot sunshine.

Standing potted plants in water is not a good idea as it can encourage the roots to rot and also is a hot bed for mosquito breeding. you could stand them in saucers filled with sand, keep the sand nice and moist. This will ensure that the roots of the plant stay cool and the plant stays healthy.

If the plants dry out soak them in a bucket of water then drain them.

Protect new plantings

Freshly planted vegetables and flower seedlings need a bit of sun hardening. Make sure you shelter them with 50% shade cloth, old net curtains are great. This will in turn help them establish without harm.

Remove any dead flowers

Removing dead flowers is not only done for aesthetic reasons, but also ensure that new flowering shoots come through. The plant can concentrate its power to the fresh flowers. Moreover, the dead flowers will not become a breeding ground for pests or fungi. Some summer shrubs like larkspur, produce flowers a second time in autumn, when they are cut back after the main flowering.

Keeping your Boxwoods in shape!

To preserve the details of boxwood trees or bushes which were cut in shape, you should now cut back your boxwoods and other evergreens. For perfect shapes a good tip is to create templates from cardboard.

Finally, use your time wisely...

Sometimes you simply don't have the time to do everything you want to do in the garden. If you're short of time get some fresh mulch, a few strategically placed flowering plants and a freshly edged law with do the trick.
Apart from keeping soil cool and conserving water, mulch stops rain water washing all the nutrients away. If you have plants growing among hungry trees, give the plants a feed so they can absorb the nutrients directly, rather than the tree roots getting to them first.

PS Marsden have been established for over 45 years and have extensive product knowledge in terms of keeping your garden in trim. For further information of the services we can offer please call 0115 961 5431 or email us on info@psmmowers.co.uk.