Gardening expert Monty Don has issued an urgent call for gardeners to feed plants grown in containers, warning that these plants risk nutrient depletion during the current heatwave conditions.
Why Container Plants Need Immediate Attention
In his latest blog, the Gardeners' World host explained that plants in pots, tubs, or other containers exhaust the nutrients from their original compost as they grow. Without supplementary feeding, they may struggle to flower or fruit properly. Don recommends a weekly feed high in potash to promote root and flower formation without encouraging excessive foliage.
He stated: "Most plants grown in a container of any kind will exhaust the available nutrients from the compost they were originally planted as they grow and will need a regular supplementary feed for the rest of the summer."
The Right Feed and Method
Don advises using liquid seaweed or a proprietary liquid tomato feed, applied at the recommended strength or slightly weaker. He cautioned 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."
Other July Gardening Tasks
Beyond container feeding, Don highlighted several other essential jobs for July. Roses are in full bloom and should not be neglected. He noted that clematis varieties are transitioning from early-summer blooms to the smaller, abundant flowers of late-flowering types. Tender annuals like cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, and tithonias are at their peak, along with summer-flowering bulbs such as crocosmia, agapanthus, lilies, and dahlias.
Tomato and Fruit Tree Care
Don urges gardeners to strip lower leaves from outdoor tomatoes to improve ventilation and reduce blight risk. He also recommends pruning fruit trees now, cutting back this year's growth to two to four pairs of leaves, which allows light and air to reach ripening fruit and prevents overcrowding. Unlike winter pruning, this summer pruning does not stimulate excessive regrowth.
Cutting Back Perennials
Early-flowering perennials like oriental poppies, delphiniums, and hardy geraniums can be cut back in July. This encourages regrowth and leads to more blooms in autumn.
Harvesting Summer Raspberries
Finally, Don celebrated the joy of harvesting summer raspberries in July. He said: "There is a freshness and seasonal treat to the summer raspberries that makes them especially good and we often pick a bowl just before supper and eat with a little cream whilst they are still warm from the evening sun. Heaven!"
With temperatures remaining high, Don's advice ensures gardeners can maintain healthy, productive plants throughout the summer.
