What To Plant, Prune + Plan For In Your Southern Highlands Garden In Summer
Summer is here. The weather this past year has kept us on our toes, and this season looks set to do the same.
So what should we be doing in the garden in to keep plants healthy, trees strong and grass green? The key is doing the right amount of watering, pruning and keeping one step ahead of those naughty little bugs and fungus infestations.
So how do you do that?
You ask Michael Nichols from Turf 2 Trees Horticulture! That’s what we do. Michael and his talented team of experts do complete landscape management, specialising in acreage, formal gardens and show gardens….and wow! We’ve had a peek at their work and the gardens are always stunning.
Michael has created a month-by-month guide of what to do and when in the garden during this season and some tips on how to make sure your garden is getting the best irrigation.
Your summer gardening calendar is now officially sorted.
So let’s go…..
Irrigation
It’s really important to talk about the impact of the weather on the soil because it might not be what you think it is!
With the recent spells of Spring rain soaking into the ground, it’s no wonder that the roots of your trees might be feeling the strain. When the ground gets too wet, it can weaken the roots or even lead to rot, and now, as the trees crave more water and nutrients, their root systems might not be as strong as they should be. This could lead to a decline in their health, especially as we start transitioning into the warmer months.
Luckily, things should have started to dry out a bit now, but if your soil’s drying out too quickly, it’s a good idea to use wetting agents. These can help break down surface tension and allow water to soak in deeper, giving your trees the boost they need.
Our advice? Do the dig-and-see test.
And be mindful that just because one part of the garden is dry, doesn’t mean the whole garden is the same. Check the topography of your garden – are you at the top or the bottom of a slope? Are you in a gully? Or on top of a hill? These factors and the lay of your actual garden will influence how much water you have in the ground.
What to Plant
DECEMBER
Now is the time to get those summer bulbs in the ground. Think liliums, hippeastrums and gladioli. Your dahlias should also be shooting up, make sure you keep on top of the snails. Ensure flowering plants like dahlias as well as foxgloves and delphinium are staked. And remember watering during the night will increase the effectiveness of your water by reducing the evaporation from the hot sun!
JANUARY
Traditionally a hot month, January is all about keeping thirsty plants hydrated, and if there does happen to be some humid conditions they are perfect for fungus infections to thrive in the garden. Get in early with preventative measures to keep your plants flourishing.
Because January tends to be hot, always double-check the chemical labels for temperature thresholds. Most sprays will burn at temperatures of 27 degrees and above.
Check your fruit trees are receiving enough water – they definitely need it in these hotter months. If your lemon and lime trees are established [more than 2 years old] they should only need a good deep watering once or twice a week. However, they are very heavy feeders so throw the fertiliser on! FYI citrus and rose fertiliser are the same thing.
FEBRUARY
Retain the moisture in your pots for longer by mulching with an organic mulch or decorative pebble. If pots dry too much and rehydration is hard, submerge the pot in a bucket of water with a dash of seasol and a wetting agent, wait until the bubbles stop then you know your pot is soaked through again!
Did you know plants exhibit the same physical symptoms if they are dry or too wet?? Be sure to get on the ground and dig around to ensure one or the other!
What to Prune
Gardens can get out of control in summer, so be proactive about pruning and weeding.
Wisteria and ornamental grapes will be especially busy and will take over the whole garden if you let them. Prune off any unwanted growth as often as you can.
Prune Weigelia, rosemary, lilac and philadelphus after they’ve flowered. Another tip is to prune your herbs to stop flowering and encourage thick plants.
Be on guard for fungus infection or try some preventive measures such as improving light and air circulation through pruning to keep your plants flourishing.
Hedging in summer requires planning. Be sure not to trim hedges too hard when it’s really hot, this can be fatal.
What to Plan For
DECEMBER
Routine watering, weeding and pest checking should be part of your weekly ‘potter’ around the garden now.
Moisture levels are low in the soil this time of year, and your plants are more susceptible to pests when dry. We have noticed high numbers of aphids this year on roses, shrubs, and even big ‘ol oak trees!
Keep an eye out for cherry slug in your cherries, pears etc. Clear any dropped fruit from around the trees and put out fruit fly traps – these little creatures love summer fruits just as much as we do.
JANUARY
Basil and coriander are two favourite herbs to plant at this time of year and will really complement your fresh summer salads. Keep your herbs bushy with lots of fragrant foliage by pruning off the flower heads before they go to seed. And remember to companion plants to help reduce garden pests.
FEBRUARY
Start planning for autumn and think about purchasing spring flowering bulbs ready for planting in March – tulips [obviously!] and iris grow really well in the Highlands. Fertilising your plants and lawns is a great way to keep them at their best, but be sure to water in straight after fertilising or they will burn.
Ok gardeners, Summer has shown its hot and glorious face and we better get some TLC to our gardens, stat!
Hopefully, this guide will prepare you for the warm days ahead.
And don’t forget Michael has put together a month-by-month guide of what to do and when in the garden in every season. Here’s his advice on how to manage our gardens in spring, autumn and winter too! [bookmark these for later this year and next year].
Turf 2 Trees Horticulture is a Landscape and Estate Management business, specialising in acreage, formal gardens and show gardens with over ten years of horticulture and turf management experience. A local business who has mastered the art of their craft in the unique Highlands climate, the team at Turf 2 Trees Horticulture focus on efficiency and high-quality property maintenance.
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