As July arrives, gardens are in full bloom, but there's still time to plant for a stunning display. Celebrity gardener Monty Don has shared his top three plants to ensure your garden looks its best this month.
First on Monty's list are dahlias, which he describes as the 'jewel of any garden'. He recommends planting tubers in pots now, using a standard peat-free compost mix, and keeping them in a frost-free spot. Once the risk of frost has passed, typically in May, they can be planted out. 'Having given them a good soak, these then go into cold frames or the greenhouse, but will spend a couple of weeks in May hardening off before their final planting,' Monty advises.
Second, Monty suggests woody shrubs like roses. 'March is often too early to plant out tender young seedlings, but it is a very good time to plant woody shrubs,' he explains. He emphasises the importance of preparing the planting spot: 'Make sure that every scrap of perennial weeds are removed and dig a wide but shallow hole about 9 inches deep. Loosen the subsoil but do not add any compost or soil improver.' Roses thrive in well-draining soil and a sunny spot, and should be fed and mulched now for summer blooms.
Finally, Monty highlights shallots as an essential crop for any gardener. 'I think shallots are even more essential to the cook than onions,' he says. 'They have a sweeter taste, tend to be easier to grow and store incredibly well.' Plant shallots outside about nine inches apart in rows a foot apart, and cover with fleece to protect from birds. Monty recommends slender red varieties like 'Simiane' or 'Longor'.
