Collecting Seeds.
Typically July and August are the hottest months of the year giving us many dry days which makes it the ideal time to collect seeds for the following year.
Some plants to consider collecting seed from are Cornflower, Primroses, Pansies, Aquilegia, ornamental poppy and Nigella, these all have large numbers of seeds to collect and are relatively easy to grow.
When collecting seeds pick a day when it has been dry, snip the dried seed head and gently tip out the seed or break it apart over paper to catch it. Consider using some paper of contrasting colours so that the seeds are easier to see and distinguish from the dried seed pod. This will also help you to tip the seeds into envelopes to store over winter ready to sow next spring. Don’t forget to label them and store in an airy dry place.
Lawn care.
Lawns can become damaged at this time of year due to the warm weather and the lack of rain. Most established lawns will fully recover but to assist with this you can cut the grass on a higher setting making sure you have a sharp blade on your mower.
It can also be beneficial in some cases to let short clippings fall to the ground. Grass clippings can improve the soils quality, provide vital nutrients and will also aid with water retention.
Fruit and vegetables.
Onions, Shallots and Garlic can be lifted when the tops have died back and used or stored.
Carry on feeding your tomato plants and remove the lower leaves to allow for air circulation.
Other produce should be ready to harvest in August including French and Runner beans, Courgettes, Sweetcorn, carrots and Cucumbers.
If you have too many blackberries and raspberries you can pick them now and freeze them to use at a later date.
