July is one of the driest months of the year, so you will spend most of your time watering. A good soak every 2-3 days is better than a little bit every day. To save time and water, you can mulch around the base of your plants with organic matter. This will also add nutrients into the soil and help keep the weeds at bay.
Feed your plants
Now is a good time to feed your plants such as tomatoes. Feed your tomatoes a liquid fertilizer that’s high in potash. This will encourage flowers and the fruit to develop. Continue to feed them throughout the summer months. Potatoes are another hungry plant and will also benefit from a feed.
Pinch out the tips
French and runner beans will continue growing up their supports. By pinching out the growing tips when they reach the top of their support, will divert their energy into the production of flowers and beans.
Ventilate the greenhouse
As the temperature rises, it’s important to ventilate your greenhouse. Your plants will struggle to survive in the high heat and dry atmosphere. Open any vents and doors during the day and if possible, use shade netting. Watering the floor of the greenhouse can help reduce the temperature and increase the humidity levels.
What to sow now
- Continue sowing your salad crops for later harvests.
- Spring cabbage can also be sown now.
- If you want a late harvest of peas, sow a fast growing/early variety that will be ready when the season ends.
What to harvest
- Your first and second early potatoes should be ready to lift now. First and second early potatoes don’t store as well as a main crop variety, so make sure you eat these first.
- The first tomatoes should be ready to pick.
- Overwintering onions should be coming to an end soon. They are ready when the foliage turns yellow and flops over.