Sun soaked July has arrived and the Rhino greenhouse is hotting up! Everything in the garden seems to be growing doubly fast and I mostly seem to be weeding and watering. Watering might seem like an easy gardening job, but on my allotment it’s quite a way from the water butts to the whole plot so my arms are having a workout!
My biggest July gardening tip is to water the right way, not just little and often. If you can, it is better to water early in the morning or later at night. If you have lots of slugs and snails, I could recommend watering in the morning because they will love the damp around and on plants in the evening. Watering early and late also reduces evaporation and allows the roots more time to absorb the water and nutrients.
Also try to water at the base of plants, rather than over the top. It’s the roots that need the water mostly and leaving water sitting on leaves can contribute to pests and diseases.
Check every day, especially in the hot, dry weather to see if your plants need watering and only water as needed. Plants in pots and the greenhouse might need daily watering depending on what they are but plants in the ground may not need so much water. Check the soil to about 3cm down and if it is still moist, put the watering can away for the next day.
Lots of mulch is key to retaining moisture and really does help to lessen the amount of watering needed over the summer. Use well rotted organic matter, garden compost or straw and it should really help.
Other garden jobs include the joy of harvesting. Picking the first tomatoes, cucumbers, chillies and lots of herbs is just so satisfying and never gets boring! I’ve even seen a courgette glut already!
Thankfully the Rhino greenhouse automatic vents and blinds keep things cooler on a hot day and everything is thriving but it is important if you are greenhouse gardening to keep a close eye on pests around pots and foliage. Make sure there is plenty of air circulation and gently remove sneaky snails and slugs and re-home them outside.
There’s so much going on in the garden, it’s a mix of fun and chaos. Happy gardening and don’t forget to sit back in the garden sometimes to admire the plants and all your hard work.