High summer’s here so beware of plants going to seed

AS July draws to a close and the holiday season is in full swing, you may be pondering the plight of your plot as you plan your holidays.

Going away usually takes some preparation and effort and if you have a vegetable garden you’ll certainly need to take its needs into consideration. Before going, it is important to weed thoroughly as these guys go rampant when unchecked. Hoe, weed and mulch to keep weeds under control and the soil moist, while you are away. Organise someone to pick vegetables such as beans, peas and courgettes, in particular, as these all tend to stop producing new fruits if the crop is not picked regularly.

If you are growing in containers, these plants may need watering when you are gone, even if it rains every day. You could try making a DIY drip irrigation system by using 2-litre plastic bottles. Slice the base off the bottle while leaving the cap still on. Make small yet large enough holes in the top and then plant the bottle next to or in between your plants. Fill the plastic bottle with water which should slowly leak out to the base of the plants for the roots to access.