An up-and-down spring – with frosts followed closely by heatwaves, all the while with very little rain in many regions – has left plants distressed as summer sets in.
Many dahlias and potatoes were frosted and are slowly recovering. Some potatoes have been so weakened that they might never regain even a part of their potential. They might as well be replaced with something else if recovery is weak – although if you have any seed tubers left, replanting is an option. Dahlias seem made of sterner stuff, regrowing strongly and relishing the recent heat.Incautious early planting of courgettes and cucumbers has often resulted in fatalities. There is still time to resow these. They will grow swiftly in the warm soils and sunny June days.
Weeds have been held back by the dry weather, but those that have grown enough to reach the soil moisture made quite a surge in growth during the heat. Where the weather is dry they will perish easily after hoeing, but in rainy conditions a gloved hand to remove them before they can set seeds is unavoidable.
Shorts
On plants such as lilies and onions, flecked leaves but unaffected more recent growth suggests hail damage. The marks are mostly cosmetic. The damage has not allowed diseases to enter the plant, but won’t disappear.
