Usually we’d advise against sowing seed in June or July, but would recommend waiting for more reliable rainfall in August or even September. But since we’ve had the wettest June for many years, with a full month’s rain falling in the first half of the month alone, it has made planting a possibility this year.Though slug pressures have increased, and there is a risk of the leys burning up if this wet period is followed by a very dry spell, so caution is still advised.

The outlook is promising at present however. The higher rainfall has been accompanied by lower than average temperatures, but the warmer weather forecast for next week, coupled with the moist conditions, should improve growth. It will help the late sown wild bird mixture get away, and also offers another window to plant.