July in the garden

Winter is the perfect time to give your dahlia beds some well-deserved attention. Clean up old stems, leaves, and any remaining garden debris. Replenish your soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter to improve soil health for spring planting. Remember to regularly check any lifted tubers, removing any soft or rotten ones before they can affect the rest of your clump. Ensure stored tubers remain cool, dry, and well-ventilated throughout winter to prevent issues.

Rose pruning season has arrived in July! Prune to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to encourage healthy new growth. Aim for an open, vase-shaped centre to improve airflow and reduce disease risk. A few days after pruning, apply a copper spray to help protect fresh pruning cuts and reduce the risk of fungal diseases such as black spot. Winter is also a great time to feed your roses for robust spring blooms.

The daffodil season is getting closer!

Many of the early varieties are now well established above the ground, with more shoots appearing every week. It won't be long before those first cheerful blooms begin brightening the garden and reminding us that spring is on its way.

Bearded irises are enjoying their winter rest while quietly developing strong root systems beneath the soil.

• Keep rhizomes free from heavy mulch so they receive plenty of air.
• Remove any old or diseased foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease.
• If you divided or planted new irises in autumn, they should now be settling in nicely and preparing for spring flowering.

The ranunculus corms are now tucked safely into the ground and are sprouting beautifully.

Keep an eye on soil moisture during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging. Healthy foliage now will reward you with an abundance of stunning blooms in spring.

The seed-raising season is well underway!

I've started planting a range of hardy annuals, including:

• Sweet Peas
• Matricaria
• Poppies
• And plenty more to come!

These cool-season flowers establish strong root systems over winter and reward you with masses of beautiful blooms throughout spring.

Every week in July brings us one step closer to spring, and although it feels like a waiting game, all these little jobs now will make a huge difference when the garden bursts into colour.