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Tips and ideas for July – come rain or shine!
July is a wonderful time to enjoy your garden and witness the beauty of nature in full bloom. July gardens demand a lot of attention, but it’s also a month to relax and appreciate the beauty of your garden.
Why not create a decked or paved outdoor seating area where you can unwind and enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of your summer garden.
Keep your garden looking and performing its best with these important tasks:
• Plant autumn-flowering bulbs. While still dormant, plant autumn-flowering bulbs such as nerines, sternbergia, colchicums and the autumn crocus, for a beautiful display later this year.
• Water thirsty crops. Support the growth of your leafy crops, such as tomatoes, peas, beans and celery, and some fruits, such as pumpkins, squash and cucumbers, by watering regularly.
• Pots and planters. Pay attention to container plants and hanging baskets, as they may dry out faster.
• Plant out runner beans. If you have runner beans in pots or trays, now is the time to plant them out. Be sure to water well and pinch out the tops when they outgrow their supports.
• Harvest root vegetables as you need them. Most root vegetables will stay fresh when they are left in the ground, so only harvest as and when needed.
• Keep composting. Summer is a great time for composting, so keep adding kitchen waste and grass cuttings. Prevent the decomposition process from slowing down by keeping your compost bin moist during dry spells.
• Trim lavender. Use shears to keep your lavender in shape, cutting off old flowers and most of this year’s growth.
• Keep an eye out for aphids. Aphids can quickly become a problem in greenhouses when the temperature increases, sucking sap from plants which impacts their growth and can lead to disease. These can be tackled with organic insecticides.
• Plant out tomatoes. Tomatoes hate temperature fluctuations, so July often proves to be the best time to plant them outside. Once in the ground, they will grow rapidly and will need regularly tying to supports.
Visit one of our centres to pick up all the gardening tools you need!
Whilst mild with plenty of food around for wildlife, July is still a good month to support biodiversity and enjoy observing the natural world. Attract wildlife to your garden by setting up bird feeders, bird baths, and insect-friendly plants. Consider installing a small pond to attract frogs, toads, and beneficial insects.
Here are some tips to help you create a wildlife friendly environment:
● Native plants: Choose native plants that are well-suited to your region and provide food and habitat for local wildlife. These plants are adapted to the local ecosystem and often require less water and maintenance.
● Pollinator gardens: Include a variety of flowers, shrubs, and herbs that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Plant species like lavender, coneflowers, sunflowers, and salvias, which are known to be attractive to pollinators.
● Water Sources: Provide a water source such as a birdbath, shallow dish, or small pond. Be sure to keep the water fresh and clean to attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that rely on water for drinking and bathing.
● Bird Feeders: Hang bird feeders filled with nutritious seeds, particularly those favoured by local bird species. Place feeders in safe locations, away from predators, and provide different types of feeders to accommodate various bird species.
● Butterfly and Bee Houses: Install butterfly houses and bee boxes in your garden. These structures provide shelter and nesting spaces for butterflies and solitary bees, enhancing their population and overall garden ecosystem.
● Provide Shelter: Incorporate elements such as birdhouses, bat boxes, and brush piles to offer shelter and nesting places for different creatures. These structures mimic natural habitats and provide safe spaces for wildlife to raise their young.
● Mulching and Composting: Use organic mulch and compost to improve soil health and provide habitat for beneficial organisms like earthworms and insects. These organisms contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem.
● Create Diverse Habitats: Design your garden to have a variety of plant heights, textures, and structures. This diversity will attract a wider range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
● Minimise Light Pollution: Reduce unnecessary outdoor lighting or use motion sensor lights to minimise light pollution, especially during night time. This helps nocturnal creatures and maintains the natural rhythms of the ecosystem.
Don’t miss your chance to contribute to butterfly conservation this July. Join the Big Butterfly Count and help in the preservation of these delicate and beautiful creatures.
It is just a matter of 15 minutes to observe and count the butterflies in your surroundings.
Join the Big Butterfly Count now and help in the preservation of these delicate and beautiful creatures.
For more details click here.
As if you needed reminding!
As well as catering for all your gardening needs, our Midgley centre is home to the Little Acorn coffee stop and two fascinating woodland walks!
The Little Acorn, our vintage horse box turned cafe, serves a variety of hot and cold food and drink daily, including Yummy Yorkshire Ice Creams.
We also have two popular nature trails, of differing lengths, for children to explore, with historical facts about the area dotted throughout.
Discover the new nature-themed fairy trail at Earnshaws Fencing Centre, Midgley! It’s a FREE family activity for summer break. Let your children run, explore, and learn about local nature.
Each fairy represents a woodland species, with unique wings designed by artist Lanson Moore. Find hidden fairies, discover top tips, and uncover interesting facts along the way.
Don’t miss this opportunity to create memorable summer moments with your family!
Hopefully July will bring ample opportunities for outdoor dining, barbecues, or socialising with friends and family. Take advantage of the warm weather and create an outdoor dining space to enjoy al fresco meals and soak up the summer atmosphere.
Visit our Midgley and Brigg to discover our extensive range of summer essentials to landscape your outdoor space. From garden decor to practical tools, we have everything you need to enhance your garden this season.
● Sheds and cabins: We offer an incredible variety of outdoor building products such as summer houses, playhouses, animal houses, garden sheds and cabins. Click here for more information.
● Garden furniture: Our selection of outdoor furniture, includes tables, chairs, benches and parasols – designed to provide comfortable seating and dining options for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. Click here for more information.
● Decking: Earnshaws supply decking materials and components for creating a sturdy and attractive outdoor platform. Decking can be used to extend living spaces, create seating areas, or add a decorative element to gardens. Click here for more information.
● Pergolas and arches: If you are looking to add a feature to your garden? Then we have the right structures for you. So, you can add architectural interest in your garden while helping your climbing plants get the support they need to grow. Click here for more information.
● Pots, planters and raised beds: We have a vast range pots and planters, plus sleepers and timber for raised beds with added herb appeal! Click here for more information,
● Garden decor and ornaments: Enhance the aesthetic appeal and ambience of your outdoor space by decorating it with ornaments,statues, fountains, bird baths, and garden lighting. Click here for more information.
The Ecological Gardenerby Matt Rees-Warren
“Finally, a book for UK gardeners who recognise the desperate need to share their gardens with nature… Excellent, timely, essential!”
Available here.
But there is one place where a person can make choices that will lead in a small way toward greater sanity in dealing with the natural order. That place is the private garden.
– Allen Lacy
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