106 SAGA.CO.UK/AUG-MAG I^2018
bookshopGAP PHOTOSFeed weekly with
liquid tomato food
and water daily,
even after rain, as
foliage can stop
rain reaching
the soil.Apply a mulch to
reduce evaporation.Make sure
containers have
good drainage to
prevent roots
rotting. Add pot
feet to help water
drain away.Deadhead regularly.
Once plants have
set seed they will
stop fl owering.Extra online
More summer
growing guides at
saga.co.uk/
gardeningHow to...
keep
containers
bloomingHome and garden
Trim hedges
Clip conifer hedging before the
end of the month to prevent
bare patches forming. Tripod
ladders are designed for garden
use, making them safer and
easier to use than standard
stepladders. The adjustable
third leg provides stability, even
on slopes, while the round feet
hold much better on uneven
ground. Never stand on the top
step and, if unsure about your
balance, get someone to do the
work for you. A 1.2m (4ft)
version is ideal for most hedges.
Tripod ladders are available in
a range of sizes from Niwaki
(niwaki.com, 01747 445059 ) and
Henchman (henchman.co.uk,
03333 444229 ).August
GARDEN TIPS
Grow microgreens
Chard, radish, broccoli, peas,
rocket, beetroot, basil... many
veg and herbs can be harvested
as tiny edible leaves that are
delicious and packed with
nutrients. Sow and grow seeds
outside and in – even on damp
kitchen roll. Harvest after
a week and sprinkle over soups
and salads. See offer on p 113.Garden
BOOK OF THE MONTHDahlias by Naomi Slade,
with photographs by
Georgianna Lane
A beautiful record of
more than 65 glorious
dahlia varieties, from
delicate pink and cream
pompoms to dramatic
explosions of orange
and red. They were
a food of the Aztecs- who cultivated them
for their potato-like
roots – and rose in
popularity as European
garden plants. As well as
their history, read how
to grow, propagate and
care for these show-
stopping fl owers.
A real treat.
Saga
Bookshop
Order at a
discount from
wordery.com/saga