Growth spurt

Yep, it’s sweltering outside but don’t linger in the shade too long - there’s plenty to prep before the colder months, says Mary Lovell-Smith.

BULB

• Many late-winter and spring-flowering bulbs will be dormant now and can be lifted and stored for replanting in autumn, either if they are becoming too crowded (and quality of blooms will suffer) or you simply want them somewhere else.

• As a general rule, loose dirt should be shaken off bulbs and leaves cut off before storing.

• Freesia corms can be lifted, dried, then stored in warm airy place out of direct sunlight.

• After lifting, dry Dutch irises as above, then remove their papery skin, offsets separated from larger bulbs and all stored in a cool airy place.

• Gladiolus are best lifted six to eight weeks after flowering and stored in a warm airy spot (like a hot-water cupboard) for three weeks to cure them, then stored in a cool place till replanting in spring.

• Peonies and bearded irises (pictured right) may be lifted and split now, and until May, and replanted straight away.

• Daffodils are ideally shifted in December, but can be done now with haste.

ORNAMENTALS

• Deadhead bedding plants, perennials, roses and other shrubs flowering now to prolong the flowering period and to keep the plant looking fresh. This will also direct the plant’s energy into growing rather than producing seeds.

FRUIT

• Summer-pruning fruit trees is recommended in smaller sections as it reduces tree size and vigour. (Removing branches with leaves means fewer leaves to make energy through photosynthesis. Thus new growth is limited and less energy is available to be stored in the roots, which in turn reduces the available energy for growth next growing season.) Summer-pruning also cuts the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.

• For the tree’s first and second year after planting, spring growth should be cut back by half, and in late summer, any subsequent growth should also be cut back by half. After the third year, cut any branches back to the maximum size you want the tree to be and don’t let any grow beyond this. Over-vigorous shoots may be removed altogether. • Summer pruning is (obviously) best done after fruiting and the principles are generally the same as winter pruning – removing dead, diseased or crossing-over branches. Usually, stonefruit are pruned to a vase shape; pipfruit to a central leader.

EDIBLES

• Weed asparagus beds but leave the plants to grow as this will help produce a good crop next spring.

• Plant out broccoli, celery and leeks.