Here we are, the halfway point, the warmest months of the year. Time to harvest, to water, to even – whisper it – begin to think about autumn. This is the month, though, to bring home food and flowers you’ve grown.
You can start to harvest carrots (one of the great gardener treats), salad and other leaves, the beets and beans. You should have time, too, to resow some of these, though not in the same place, please.
The classic gardening fruits should start to be ready to crop: blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants and redcurrants. Perfect for breakfasts and summer puddings. Time to maybe thin out apples and pears.
Much of my July garden time will be spent mooching, standing, watering, a little light weeding, perhaps topping up the pond. Wondering whether Howard can fit in a few shifts where I can’t.
We will soon sow Italian chicories, maybe the first of our Oriental leaves, perhaps more beetroot, radishes, carrots and chard as space opens up. We will probably stick to small square beds rather than rows. We’ll broadcast a few herb and flower seeds.
It is time to start harvesting any onions, garlic and shallots. First, though, check the weather forecast, try to dry them in the sun.
Remember to feed. We mostly use ready-made liquid seaweed, though we will make up a mix from this year’s comfrey plants, perhaps young nettles that are not showing seed.
Mainly, we will soak it all in. Much of our summer work for now is done. We may make a few mental notes for next year. There is still stuff to learn about what works well with our “new” soil. And then we will head home happy with a few French beans and salad leaves, a bunch of scented sweet peas.
Now, what is your favourite summertime garden thing? Wishing you a happy harvest everyone.
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