There are always some things in the garden that you'd do differently, and your July garden is often a good time to spot those difficult patches. Make a note of the changes that you'd like to make and take photos to help your memory so that when you do come to make changes later in the season it'll be an easier job.

Pests are usually rampant this month with aphids, particularly greenfly and blackfly multiplying fast. It's time to get the ladybirds into your garden for a sumptuous feast and if you haven't built a ladybird home yet it's a great thing to do with children. All you need is some lengths of hollow bamboo bundled together with either string or bunched inside a plant pot or something like a catering size coffee tin. Putting them inside something ensures the canes don't become a wind tunnel and if you've tied them up without putting them inside something do make sure one end of the canes are blocked up with something. Another way of providing insect homes is to drill some holes into one end of a log. Ladybirds and other insects will thank you for providing them with safe harbour to either lay eggs or to hibernate.

Managing pests and diseases is especially important in your fruit garden to help keep fruits healthy and with the hoped for sunshine also comes a plethora of weeds. Keep them under control in order to give your flowers, fruit and vegetable plants room to grow without too much competition.

July Garden Jobs

With summer well underway here is the job list for July, which includes…

• Summer prune your fruit cordons and espaliers
• Keep weeds down around fruiting trees and other edibles to reduce the competition for nutrients
• Thin out fruit crops.
• Deadhead as often as possible to encourage more flowers
• Keep an eye on water levels - especially containers, pots and hanging baskets
• Harvest any fruit and vegetables that are available and if there is too much to eat either give it away or freeze it
• Hoe the borders regularly to keep weeds at bay
• Check plants regularly for pests and diseases
• Make sure bird baths and watering stations have plenty of clean and fresh water
• If you have a pond check it regularly and top it up as necessary
• Trim hedges this month (if you're sure there are no nests or existing ones have been vacated, remember that some birds come back for a second brood). If you're unsure, wait a bit longer
• Plan the autumn vegetable plot and sow seeds as appropriate
• Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes and keep them evenly moist to avoid blossom end rot (fruit splitting)
• If you have a greenhouse keep it well ventilated and shaded
• Keep your potted acers well watered and out of direct sunlight in order to avoid leaf scorch
• If you do get the chance to get into your garden and the sun is shining do wear a hat and sun lotion and don't forget to stay hydrated too.