Monty Don has issued a crucial gardening task for July: staking plants to prevent them from collapsing under their own weight as the midsummer growth surge takes hold. The renowned horticulturalist warns that without support, borders can quickly turn into a 'disaster zone,' but simple measures like hazel pea sticks or metal cages can maintain structure while preserving the natural charm of the garden.
Why Staking Is Essential in July
July's warm weather triggers rapid growth in many plants, leading to unruly borders. Monty Don explains that taller varieties such as Ammi majus, sunflowers, cleome, Cosmos Sensation, tithonias, and Leonotis are particularly prone to flopping. He recommends using brushwood or metal supports positioned around borders to keep plants upright without looking artificial. 'With careful positioning, your beds should appear completely natural, as though nothing has been added at all,' he notes on his blog.
Techniques for Effective Staking
For individual plants, Don advises staking to half their height and tying with soft twine. 'They can be staked to half their height and tied with soft twine so that they can still move gently but not collapse completely,' he writes. This method allows for gentle movement while preventing total collapse. Common materials include bamboo canes, biodegradable fabric ties, and metal cages. It is crucial to avoid cutting into the plant's stem and to leave room for growth.
Additional July Task: Harvesting Raspberries
Don also highlights raspberries as a July highlight. Summer-fruiting varieties, which fruit on canes from the previous year, should be harvested now. He notes that autumn-fruiting types like 'Autumn Bliss' produce fruit on new season's growth and will crop later. 'There is a distinctive freshness to July's raspberry crop that makes them exceptionally delicious,' he says, adding that he looks forward to enjoying them with cream on warm summer evenings.
