Colin Evans

Summer still is here in all its glory, even though the rain still crashes down most days.

Although the ground is wet, gardening in the great outdoors is still a real pleasure even though we are having to dodge the showers.

Tomato plants

At this time of the year most of the glasshouse crops are growing like mad especially tomatoes and cucumbers so keep them going for as long as you can by feeding and watering.

On warmer days, make sure the vents are open to allow fresh air through to keep the dreaded fungal diseases at bay.

Soon, I will be giving you tips on how to make the glasshouse look it's best once summer is over and plant crops to supply you with some winter produce and colour, but don't panic as summer has still a good few weeks to run yet.

HEBE 'diosmifolia' has masses of short very pretty white flower heads in spring, plus very compact growth which makes this little plant a good one for adding density to borders during the summer season.

Hebe Diosmifolia

Hebe is easy to grow and will do well in most soils especially if they are given plenty of organic matter. Prune after flowering to keep the growth compact and under control, and this colourful plant will give your borders that extra something.

TOPICAL TIPS:

1: Clear away debris and old leaves from under clematis and earth up the crown with compost to prevent clematis wilt getting a hold. Clematis should always be fed during summer and should not be allowed to dry out.

2: Continue to sow lettuce under polythene cloches , greenhouse or in the open ground and if you do this then you can at least get a couple of crops before autumn sets in, although, during the latter part of the year, winter varieties can still be grown. Also, radishes will make rapid growth if sown now, so get cracking and extend the season.

3: Lawns can be given another summer feed, however, try to do the job on dry days as very wet weather will dilute the feed and reduce the growth. Keep cutting as much as you can to strengthen up the crowns which will get the lawns through the winter months and into spring without checking the growth.

Happy Gardening