Gardeners told 'look after your border' in July for this reason

Plenty of gardens across the country will have burst into life in recent weeks with the arrival of the summer months and much-needed sunshine. July is a peak month for flowers, with regular deadheading required to keep them going strong into the year and dotting your garden with colour.

But, it's not just flowers that thrive during the longer summer days as weeds grow around the borders you've spent so much time to make look their best. Rigorous planning and assessing can be completed to get the perfect garden and borders but unless they're regularly maintained your hard work might all be in vain. Don't wait until the end of summer before addressing issues you might spot lurking around your borders.

Instead, face them head-on and early, ensure regular weeding, pruning and supporting plants structurally to offer them the best chance of reaching their full potential.

Salisbury's Whites Estate Agents has recognised this urgent need and set out a guide on how best to do so.

"Borders are full of life at this time of year, but they still need a little help," Whites contends.

"Weeds grow quickly in summer, so it's worth weeding regularly or hoeing when the soil is dry.

"Adding mulch not only helps suppress weeds, but also keeps moisture in the soil - something that's really useful during hotter spells."

Meanwhile, the Royal Horticultural Society advises using bark, compost or leaf mould to improve soil quality while protecting your plant roots from drying out.

Gardeners should also keep an eye out for summer pests such as slugs and use natural methods such as introducing ladybirds, using beer traps or planting herbs like mint and chives to help without the need for harsh chemicals.