Can we sit back and relax in the July garden

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A.� The herbaceous borders might be in full flush, but so will the weeds be if you let them get a hold. Keep the hoe handy and use it regularly, nipping the blighters in the bud before they get big enough to become a problem.

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Deadhead flowering plants such as roses to encourage new growth and cut out any yellowing leaves from herbaceous perennials. Don't let up on pests either. Slugs and snails are still about, particularly after a shower and aphids will attack fresh green shoots if you let them.

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A.� The deluges of this winter may seem a distant memory in the sunshine, but hopefully there is still a good level of residual dampness in the soil. However, many plants only grow in the first few inches of soil and this can't be allowed to dry out. It doesn't have to be a drenching, but when the weather is set fair try and give everything a drink every couple of days or so. Applying a general mulch of leaf mould, bark or mushroom compost will minimise water loss and eventually break down into a useful plant meal.

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Plants in containers need extra water during hot spells, as do hanging baskets.

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A.� Water copiously during hot spells. Keep cutting regularly, but keep the blades high to ensure the grass stays lush. If patches start looking tired or baked get some air into the soil by forking at regular intervals.

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A.� Early potatoes should be ready for lifting now and it will be soon be time to earth up mid and late varieties. Winter greens and cauliflowers should be sown now and celery and leeks planted. Keep making regular sowings of lettuce and radish.

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