Gardening Tasks for a Bountiful Summer Harvest
Summer is a time of abundance in the garden, with a variety of fruits and vegetables ripening and ready to be enjoyed. It’s also an ideal time to start new crops that can mature before the end of the growing season. Here are some essential gardening tasks for July to ensure a successful and productive summer harvest:
Planting Out Purple Sprouting Broccoli
Purple sprouting broccoli is a delicious and nutritious brassica that can be harvested from January to May. Plant young plants in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Water regularly, especially during hot spells, to prevent bolting. Protect plants from cabbage white butterflies and pigeons with fine mesh covers.
Watering New Fruit Trees
Newly planted fruit trees require regular watering to establish their roots. Water deeply every few days, especially during hot and dry weather. Spread a layer of compost around the base of the tree to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
Harvesting Runner Beans
Runner beans are a summer staple that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or canned. Pick pods when they are slim, light green, and free of dark green patches. Harvest daily to encourage continuous production.
Lifting New Potatoes
New potatoes have a unique flavor and are best harvested when they are about the size of a hen’s egg. Loosen the soil around the plant and use a garden fork to gently lift the tubers without damaging them. Harvest just before cooking for the best flavor.
Keeping Courgettes Cropping
Courgettes are prolific producers, but they can quickly turn into marrows if not harvested regularly. Pick fruits when they are around 10cm long to ensure continuous cropping and sweet, tender fruits. Water and fertilize regularly to keep plants healthy and productive.
Sowing Dwarf French Beans
Dwarf French beans are a good choice for small gardens or empty spaces in the vegetable patch. Sow seeds directly into well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Water regularly and thin out seedlings to allow for proper growth.
Watering Strawberries
Strawberries are a thirsty crop, especially in pots and during the first two years after planting. Water at the base of the plants, taking care not to splash the fruits. Check for slugs and snails, and remove weeds regularly.
Sowing Pak Choi
Pak choi is a crunchy leaf vegetable that is prone to bolting in hot weather. Sow seeds after the longest day of the year (June 21) to reduce the risk of premature bolting. Keep the soil moist and thin out seedlings to allow for full development.
Harvesting Shallots
Shallots are easy-to-grow bulbs with a rich and sophisticated flavor. Harvest when the foliage starts to keel over. Use a hand fork to gently lift the bulbs from the ground and lay them out in the sun to dry and ripen.
Thrifty Tip: Growing Herbs from Seed
Instead of buying expensive potted herbs from the supermarket, sow coriander and basil from seed for a more reliable and substantial harvest. Sow coriander directly into the garden soil in a sunny spot, while basil can be started indoors in pots. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have developed sturdy stems.
By following these gardening tasks and tips, you can ensure a bountiful and enjoyable harvest throughout the summer months. Remember to water regularly, fertilize when necessary, and protect your plants from pests and diseases. With a little care and attention, your garden will reward you with an abundance of fresh and delicious produce.
