Houseplants
Water houseplants freely when they are in growth.
Feed plants when necessary, usually once every one to two weeks with a liquid feed.
Cyclamen that have been resting over the summer can be started back into growth for winter blooms. Watering and careful replacement of the top layer of compost should be sufficient to ‘wake’ them.
Hyacinths, ‘Paperwhite’ daffodils, freesias, and Lachenalia corms can be planted in bowls now to achieve flowers for Christmas. Once they have put on 2.5cm (1in) growth, they can be taken into a cool room, only to be brought into a warm room in time to flower for the festive period. Bulbs sold as ‘prepared’ can be forced by plunging the planted bowls in a cold, dark place for a few months, then bringing them straight inside to flower.
Ventilate conservatories to their maximum to prevent soaring temperatures. Use shading if necessary.
In the greenhouse
Damp down greenhouses on hot days to maintain humidity levels.
Pest and disease watch
Many conservatory and greenhouse pests will be active during the summer months. Check plants regularly for signs of glasshouse whitefly, leafhopper, red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects.
Clean up fallen leaves and spilt compost from benches and floors to prevent pests and diseases spreading.