The days will still be long, whether or not the ground is parched and dry. If it is, water it thoroughly and cover with a mulch to protect your most precious crops and flowers. If the weather’s wet, be vigilant in removing slugs and snails.
In lang, lang days o’simmer
When the clear and cloudless skiy
Refuses ae wee drap o’ rain
To Nature parched and dry………..
James Ballantine
- Sow spring cabbage seed.
- Continue sowing biennials.
- Sow autumn and winter vegetable crops.
- Feed tomatoes, peppers and containers with diluted comfrey juice.
- Earth up potatoes.
- Cut down summer raspberry canes after fruiting is finished. Tie in new canes.
- Keep weeding, watering and controlling pests.
January
It may be the depth of winter but there are still things to do in the garden such as pruning work
February
The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer….
March
Starting with Potato Day, this is a busy month. As always, it’s time to do the jobs that didn’t get done last month.
April
There is plenty to do in April, but here in the Borders we need to keep an eye on the weather forecast. Be ready to protect young plants from late frosts.
May
Spring is now in full swing but don’t be tempted to plant out those tender seedlings too soon.
June
Long days herald the start of summer and the earlier work in the vegetable garden is now bearing fruit!
July
It is summer but there are still seeds to sow and soft fruit to pick
August
Summer downpours can wreak havoc in the flower border so make sure tall plants are staked well.
September
As summer draws to a close it is peak picking time in the orchard
October
Autumn may linger in the shape of warm sunny days but beware of night frosts!
November
As the growing season comes to an end it is time to plant flower and vegetable bulbs for next year
December
Even if it is dark, wet and cold, there are jobs to do inside such as maintaining tools, ordering seeds and checking stored fruit