Gardening expert Monty Don has issued an urgent call for gardeners to feed container plants immediately, warning that pot-grown flowers, shrubs, trees, and crops risk nutrient exhaustion during the current heatwave. In his latest blog, the Gardeners' World presenter emphasizes that plants in containers need regular supplementary feeding throughout the summer to thrive.
Why Container Plants Need Extra Care
Don explains that most plants grown in containers will deplete the nutrients from their original compost as they grow. He recommends a weekly feed high in potash to promote root and flower formation without encouraging excessive foliage. "I find liquid seaweed or a proprietary liquid tomato feed to work well," he writes.
He cautions against overfeeding: "Too many nutrients are as damaging as too few as it causes rapid, lush growth – often at the expense of flowers or fruit – and which attracts extra fungal and predatory problems." Gardeners should follow instructions precisely and, if in doubt, reduce the strength.
Additional July Gardening Tasks
Don also advises removing lower foliage from outdoor tomatoes to improve air circulation and reduce blight risk. July is the ideal time to prune fruit trees, as summer pruning avoids excessive regrowth. He recommends cutting back new growth to two pairs of leaves (about 2-4 inches) while preserving ripening fruits.
Early-flowering perennials such as oriental poppies, delphiniums, and hardy geraniums can be cut back in July to stimulate new growth and encourage more autumn blooms. Roses are in full bloom, and clematis transitions from early summer types to late-flowering varieties like viticella.
Enjoy Summer's Bounty
Don highlights that summer raspberries are perfectly ripe for picking in July. "There is a freshness and seasonal treat to the summer raspberries that makes them especially good," he says, recommending picking a bowl just before supper and eating with cream while still warm from the evening sun.
