July should see summer firmly established as the UK starts to enjoy longer daylight hours and – with any luck – a much more consistent run of weather. This is a great time of year to be a gardener, as you can really make the best of your pastime and work outdoors until it gets late.
However, it really pays off to stay organised and there are plenty of tasks that are best done in the warmer months. Luckily, it is not necessarily the most demanding time of year, as hopefully you won't have to undertake emergency tasks to protect plants from harsh conditions.
Going over the grass with a lawn mower should be done at least once a week in order to maintain effective growth throughout the hotter season.
The height of the grass should be given careful thought and a good rule of thumb to remember is that more should always be left on than is cut off.
Most contemporary models of mower come with adjustable blade heights, so think about what kind of range you will want to have before committing to a purchase.
Here at MowDIRECT, we have a wide range of models – and the Sanli LS40 Petrol Push Lawnmower is a versatile option for green-fingered Brits who are on a budget. Its cutting height adjustment is between 32 mm and 65 mm and it is available for just £139.
The Oleo-Mac G48-PK Petrol Push Lawn Mower has a much broader cutting range of 28 mm to 75 mm for those who are looking for a mid-price model – and this is currently priced at £189. Or why not grab a bargain and look at the Einhell BG-PM 46SHW 4-in-1 High-wheel Self-propelled Petrol Lawn Mower, which is at £279.95 – down from £399.95.
Maintaining the garden equipment is also essential. This is because the quality of the blades is a hugely important consideration in terms of lawn maintenance. Dulled blades run the risk of tearing the grass up instead of making a clean cut, which can cause a great deal of damage to the overall look of a lawn.
Pruning should also be carried out on a regular basis. This task can help to maintain the shape of a plant and encourage the growth of further leaves – and this is particularly the case for wall climbers and any flowering shrubs.
Indeed, in a recent article for the Daily Telegraph, chartered landscape architect and garden writer Bunny Guinness claimed that this task is vital for rose shrubs in particular. However, those with larger plants and hedgerows may wish to consider investing in a set of tree pruners, which allow them to deal with tall growths from the relative safety and security of the ground.
Weeding is not to be underestimated either. The summer season is a great time for annual and perennial weeds to capitalise on any bare patches of soil. This can be addressed with the introduction of ground-covering growths, but it is possible to be more efficient and protect against this issue with the careful use of cultivators and tillers.
