Gardeners are being urged to plant three autumn-flowering bulbs now to ensure a colourful display later in the year, according to gardening expert Paul Parker from specialists J. Parker's.
What to plant now for autumn
Paul said: “In July, you can get ahead by planting autumn-flowering bulbs ahead of the season. Varieties such as nerine, colchicum, and sternbergia will add pops of colour while the rest of the garden winds down.” He advised gardeners to “simply pop them into borders or containers now to give them enough time to establish.”
Sow next year's flowers now
Paul also recommended sowing biennials like foxgloves in July. “They will grow foliage this year, and then in spring and early summer they will produce beautiful blooms,” he explained. Seeds should be sown in a tray, then pricked out once seedlings are large enough, and planted in their final location by autumn.
Deadheading
“One easy job for July to keep your garden looking good over summer is to regularly deadhead faded flowers,” the expert added. “Doing this often will encourage your plants to form more buds and extend their flowering well into summer. Popular varieties like geraniums, petunias, cosmos, and dahlias all benefit from a quick snip every few days.”
Don't let containers dry out
With July being unusually warm and dry in many parts of the UK, Paul stressed the importance of watering pots. “Pots dry out faster in warm weather, so check them daily. Giving them a good drink of water, either early in the morning or late in the evening, will help the water reach the roots.” He also suggested adding a layer of mulch on the surface to help retain moisture. “When watering, if you find that the water runs straight through the pot, then the soil may be too dry. To rehydrate the plants, soak the entire pot in a tray or bucket full of water.”
