Common Summer Gardening Problems Solved
Sarah shows us how to deal with tricky problems the long days & higher temperatures can throw at typical UK gardens. From treating pesky weeds to coping with dehydrated plants and lawns these common issues have a variety of easy solutions.
Pest Attacks
With the warmer weather comes many unwanted garden pests, including Aphids, Red Spider Mites, Mealybugs, Whitefly, Slugs, Snails, Butterflies and Moths and Birds.
Aphids, Whitefly, Red Spider Mites and Mealybugs cause leaf curl or wilt before dropping, preventing plants from fruiting or flowering. They can mainly be found on the underside of the leaves of the plant and if not visible, you may notice that the plant is sticky due to the ‘honeydew’ they secrete.
These type of pests are best treated with a dedicated Bug Control Spray that is diluted in water then sprayed directly on the plant (always do a test patch first). In a greenhouse or polytunnel, you may find that Sticky Traps hung around the area can be effective too, or perhaps combine the two methods.
Slugs and Snails will leave silvery trails on soil around plants, damage or obliterate young seedlings and create large irregular holes on plant leaves. There are a number of ways to deter slugs and snails. You can simply remove them by hand, surround your precious plants in eggshells, copper tape or Cabbage & Brassica Collars, use Slug Killer Pellets or you can even plant a sacrificial plant such as Marigolds or Petunias.
Butterflies and Moths aren’t so much of a problem themselves but their larvae and caterpillars can not only munch on established and young plant leaves alike but larvae of Cabbage White Butterflies can damage or destroy plants with large infestations being known to wipe out a whole crop of Brassicas with ease. The most effective form of defence is a good offence. Seriously – Butterfly and Insect Netting is great at helping to protect your growing crops.
Birds are lovely creatures to watch and need all the help they can get when the weather is hot but if you have edible plants you have found them munching on then it is better to prevent the issue again before you lose all of your crops. Surrounding your edibles in Bird Netting will prevent birds from getting to the plants.
Weeds
Whilst your summer blooming plants should be growing beautifully now, so will the weeds which means they will compete with your plants for much needed nutrients and water. Regular weeding can help prevent this but if you have a particular area where you are over run but there are no plants you wish to keep then a Non-Selective Weedkiller can help. This is effective on all the roots so is best not used around plants you don’t wish to kill. If your lawn is full of weeds, a Lawn Weedkiller can help. These work by tackling the weeds without killing your lawn.
Thirsty Plants
Lack of water can lead to stressed plants that wilt and growth remains stunted. Not only this, but a lack of food and water can lead to black spot and mildew which are serious fungal diseases for a plant. Drooping or curly leaves, a change in colour of the leaves, dry soil (poke your finger in the soil to check rather than just feeling the surface in really dry weather), lack of blooms and dry looking plants are all signs of under watering. On the opposite end of the scale, if you over compensate by over watering, this can cause your plants to suffer from root rot disease and can encourage slugs and snails who like damp atmospheres. Getting the balance just right can feel like a minefield and can be made all the more difficult if you are facing a hosepipe ban in your area.
There are several ways to tackle this issue. One is by adding Water Retaining Crystals to compost of any plants that you are planting up going forward. They can be especially beneficial for particularly thirsty plants such as ferns, hostas, daylilies, iris, tomatoes, cucumber and aubergines.
If your plants are already established in a greenhouse then an Irrigation Kit can be a great way to keep your plants watered but a nozzle allows you to control how much water each plant is given at any one time. Self-Watering Planters can also keep your mind at ease that your plants are getting just the right amount of water.
Dry Lawn
Cutting your lawn too short during dry weather can cause your lawn to suffer from stress. Longer grass blades tend to be more resistant to extreme heat and sunlight as the roots tend to be longer which in turn leads to more access to and retention of moisture and nutrients. Avoid cutting during hot periods if possible. You can also spike your lawn which allows water and rain to soak through the dry soil. If you notice dead patches, repair these areas once the weather has cooled down a bit in autumn with some Grass Seed, top with a layer of Top Soil and lay a layer of Frost Fleece over the area.
Extreme Sunlight and No Shade
Most plants can suffer if provided too much direct sunlight and not enough shade. Symptoms include scorched leaves and brown edges. This is particularly true for any that prefer part shade or have been newly planted. A further consideration is greenhouse or polytunnel plants that can really struggle with the direct sunlight powering through the glass or plastic. Shade Netting is an ideal solution to this problem as it will still allow some sunlight through (depending on the density you choose).
Usually, it is recommended for vegetables to be given a shade of between 30% – 50% but most plants will do best with a maximum of 60%. Any shade loving plants like ferns, hostas, astilbes and heucheras would prefer 75% plus.
As a side note – if you have a little one or grandchild (or you want to provide yourself with a shady area), 80% – 90% is advised for humans.
For gardeners, summer can feel a bit like you are plugging holes to no avail but do try to allow yourself time to relax and enjoy all of the hard work you have put into your garden too! The scorching hot weather rarely last longer than a few months and for many of us, during the cold depths of winter, we’ll be longing for the dry, warm days of summer once again!
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