The Gardener's Almanac

Overview ;

This month lots of fruit will be ready for harvesting so pick it as it ripens.

 

Once harvesting is complete these same shrubs / trees may need pruning and propagating.

 

Note; The resulting prunings can often be used as 'cuttings'

 

Week No. 31 - 29th Jul to 4th Aug

 

• Support heavily laden branches on Apple trees to prevent them breaking with the weight of the fruit.

 

• Tie in recently planted fig trees.

 

• Prune Red & White currants.

 

• Summer prune and check Gooseberries after fruiting for pests and diseases.

 

• Hang wasp traps in fruit trees.

 

Week No. 32 - 5th to 11th

 

• Prune apple trees grown as cordons or espaliers.

 

• Protect Blueberry, Billberry, Cranberry from birds by netting the shrubs.

 

• After fruiting; cut out Raspberry canes that have carried fruit down to ground level.

 

• When harvesting is completed, cut down the leaves on Strawberry plants to 100mm (4") above soil level,

 

Week No. 33 - 12th to 18th

 

• Support fruit laden branches on Pear trees.

 

Week No. 34 - 19th to 25th

 

• Harvest Plum & Damsons if ripe.

 

• Sever runners from parent Strawberry plants.

 

Week No. 35 - 26th to 1st Sept

 

• Plant out Plum & Damson trees.

 

• Tie down shoots of spindle trained apple trees to encourage the formation of fruit buds.

 

• Prune Blackberry ,Loganberry, and Tayberries after fruiting.

 

• Pick Peaches / Nectarines when the flesh starts to soften.

 

• Harvest Pears.