Late July in the Garden and the House
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010When feeding dahlias keep the fertilizer away from the top roots and stems. The fact is some gardeners like to top-dress the plants lightly with lawn mowings to keep the moisture in the soil, and this is no bad thing providing the lawn hasn’t been treated recently with weedkiller etc.
Layer border carnations as soon as suitable growths appear.
Bedding plants are growing fast and will require feeding.
Canterbury bells must be deadheaded or they stop flowering.
Geraniums and fuchsias should be well fed, remembering that standards have far to travel and therefore need a rich diet.
The last of the bearded iris must now be planted.
In the house, Many people have learnt how to master and grow the Saintpaulias or African violets with considerable success. They are comparatively easy from March to November, but tricky through the winter unless an even heat of between 15°C. (54°F.) and 18°C. (64°F.) can be provided together with a humid atmosphere.
Humidity is increased by plunging and retaining the pot in a larger pot or container of peat, which is kept moist, or by packing the pot round with moss and keeping the moss damp.