July in the Garden

Posted on July 12, 2016

The shortest day has come and gone and we are in the midst of a grey and very wet winter. July is the month of months in the garden, where you can get that all-important winter pruning and shaping done, without the pesky weeds taking priority. Roses need special attention and pruning is just one of the jobs to do now to ensure beautiful and healthy blooms throughout the growing season.

As a general rule for winter pruning cut just above a nice strong outside facing bud, on an angle. Most deciduous plants and fruit trees are happy to get a haircut of between a third to a half of the height, depending on the species. Aim to have no branches rubbing or crossing over each other and in citrus and roses try to keep the centre of the plant nice and open to increase airflow and reduce pests and diseases.

Citrus, especially lemons, need to be monitored for citrus gall wasp throughout the year but now is the time to cut all affected plant material off your tree to prevent spread of this pest when they hatch out later in the season. Another handy hint for citrus pruning is to keep the height of your tree within arms reach, so you can grab those lemons with ease.

After pruning your roses rake up all the old rose leaves and put them in the rubbish bin. Apply a fungicide spray to the bare branches, as well as the ground below, to prevent contamination of the roses next season.

Next month, your freshly pruned roses and citrus will be ready for a spring growth boosting feed.

So grab your thickest pair of gloves, a beanie and a nice sharp pair of secateurs and get pruning.