After months of rain, this month will be one of weeding and feeding. Hanging baskets should be watered daily whether it is raining or not and do check pots and containers daily. Dead head to keep flowers looking good. Cut hedges when the birds have finished nesting. Prune shrubs that have finished flowering and cut back pyracanthas. Hardy geraniums will need a trim. Sow french beans and late runner beans, plus spring cabbage, beetroot, turnips and salad crops, such as lettuce, radish and spring onions. Plant out brussels sprouts, autumn cauliflower, savoy, winter cabbage and leeks. Keep greenhouse crops, especially tomatoes, regularly watered. Spray roses regularly against pests and diseases and watch out for problems throughout the garden. Cut lawns weekly with the mower set as high as possible and leave the clippings as a mulch and avoid watering! Start to take cuttings of plants such as lavender Ensure the birds have some water.

Flower shows
Hampton Court Palace 3-8 July; R.H.S. Flower Show Tatton Park 18-22 July
Local gardens Bushey Rose Gardens 1 July
Callipers Hall in Chipperfield and 9 Tannsfield Drive in Hemel Hempstead 15 July Waterdell House in Croxley Green 29 July.
Chenies Manor Plant Fair 15 July.

Maria Coote is talking, ‘Weeds and their Control’ 2 July in The Small Hall