| Fruit Jobs in July
Remove surplus shoots from fruits of all kinds.
Espalier and cordon trees must be summer-pruned, or they will lose
their shape. Cut back the shoots to induce the formation of fruiting spurs.
"Bud" fruit trees this month in the same way that roses are budded.
Trees grown from pips or stones are usually worthless until they have been budded.
Pears should be examined. Fruits that appear unhealthy should
be removed and only the best allowed to mature.
Strawberries require constant attention. Cut away runners not
wanted. Layer others. Clean up the beds, and take away to the bonfire the straw that remains on the surface.
Mulch and water wall-fruit trees.
If apples are too crowded on the trees, thin to two or three at each joint.
Protect soft fruit from birds by netting stretched over a framework of wood.
Dress stone fruits with sulphate of potash.
Moisture is necessary for the development of all fruits. In dry
weather hoe between soft fruits, standards, and bush trees every week.
Be careful when gathering soft fruits not to damage the bushes.
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| Vegetable Jobs in July
Hoe regularly between all crops.
Sow spring cabbage, carrots and beet in drills 15in. apart.
Plant out Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale and sprouting broccoli in showery weather.
Use liquid manure on rhubarb and seakale.
Plant leeks.
Shallots can be harvested this month.
Lift early potatoes as the tops turn yellow.
Spray late potatoes with Bordeaux Mixture. Do this twice during the month.
Sow parsley for winter use.
Sow early-maturing varieiies of peas in light rich soil.
After the crops have been gathered, all cabbage stalks, bean stalks and pea haulms should be burnt or fed to the ducks.
Cut heads of globe artichokes when less than three parts open.
Cut mint, sage, thyme and marjoram for drying.
Pinch out the tops of outdoor tomatoes.
Give plenty of tepid water to marrows.
Dust soot and lime along the celery rows to keep off both the celery fly and slugs. Celery and leeks should be earthed
up gradually.
Mulch vegetable marrows with cow manure, short litter, grass clippings or leaves.
Bend a leaf over the heads of cauliflowers that are nearly ready for use.
Spray French and runner beans with tepid water in dry weather. |