DEADHEAD BEDDING

Bedding plants have struggled in the heat, but if they’re healthy and prevented from setting seed, they still have the potential to flower up to the first frosts of autumn. If the weather is damp it’s worth applying a liquid feed to boost growth. Damp weather will also cause dead flowers to go mouldy, especially dahlias and double marigolds, so cut these off. Plants with masses of small flowers, such as lobelia and nemesia, can’t be deadheaded but can be trimmed back with secateurs. With watering and feeding the plants will produce a second flush of growth and blooms.