Gardening with Pat Duke: Keeping up with climate change

In the Garden

Devon’s warm climate means we’re basking in those hazy, golden days of high summer—but let’s not be fooled. The weather may be warm, but the swings from dry heat to a breeze and even sudden downpours are playing havoc with our planting plans. Climate change is no longer a future concern—it’s right here in the borders. Plants are flowering earlier, drought stress is real, and even our traditional perennials are starting to sulk if left unwatered for too long. But never fear—there’s still plenty to enjoy and even more to do.

Deadheading remains the number one job this week. Keep roses tidy (especially repeat bloomers like Rosa ‘Iceberg’and Rosa ‘Hot Chocolate’) and you’ll get another flush just as the season begins to fade.

Penstemon, salvia, and gaura all benefit from the same treatment. A good sharp pair of secateurs and a steady hand will keep your beds looking bright and productive well into September.

If your garden’s feeling parched, don’t panic. Apply a mulch of compost or bark around anything struggling—especially hydrangeas, phlox, and young shrubs. This traps moisture and cools the soil. Early morning watering is best, followed by an evening check. And if your pots are flagging, group them together in a shadier spot to create a microclimate and reduce stress. Ive applied my ‘black gold’ much earlier than in previous seasons.

Herbs like thyme, oregano, and sage can be given a post-flower trim now to encourage fresh growth. Save a few cuttings in a pot and you’ll have new plants rooted before the end of August.

And let’s not forget to plan ahead. Bulb catalogues are dropping through letterboxes. Order now for top varieties like Narcissus ‘Jetfire’, Tulip ‘Spring Green’, and Allium ‘Globemaster’. The future of your spring show begins this week. Try and remember which tulips need replacing.

On the Plot

Devon’s allotment gardens are in full swing. The runner beans are climbing skywards at an alarming rate, and if your courgettes are anything like mine, you’re now measuring them in inches per day. But with the weather oscillating between fierce heat and unexpected storms, the real trick is balance—watering, weeding, and working to keep plants cool and alive.

Top of the list this week: harvesting. Courgettes, French beans, and peas all need regular picking to keep the plants productive. Leave them too long and the plants will think their job is done. For courgettes, try picking them at finger length—tender, tasty, and more prolific.

Now’s the time to be brave with the snips. Pinch out the tops of tomatoes once you’ve got five or six trusses forming. This redirects the plant’s energy into fruit ripening rather than endless leaf growth. Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid feed—tomato feed or a homemade comfrey or nettle brew if you’re feeling adventurous.

Be vigilant with watering. Raised beds and pots dry out rapidly in this heat, and a good soak twice a week is better than a daily sprinkle. Early morning or dusk is best, especially when it’s overcast and humid.

Climate change has shifted the goalposts on the plot. We’re seeing more aphid pressure and earlier signs of powdery mildew on cucurbits. Combat this with better airflow—don’t crowd your planting—and consider growing mildew-resistant varieties next season, like Butternut Harrier or Cucumber Marketmore.

Lastly, sow your spring cabbage now—Durham Early or April are good reliable varieties. Start them in modules, and you’ll be planting out in August for winter greens that keep on giving. Cavalo nero can also be sown now to go out in a month’s time. Autumn planted kale can be harvested for around 18 months if you pick little and often. It looks great and is expensive to buy.

The weather may be unpredictable, but with steady hands and a watchful eye, your allotment will keep you well fed and well grounded.

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