July in the garden
July is often when the garden reaches its summer peak. Borders are full, vegetables are producing and patios and seating areas finally get the use they deserve.
Hot and dry conditions can also make July a demanding month.
1. Prioritise Watering
Pay particular attention to containers, hanging baskets, vegetables and recently planted trees and shrubs.
Established plants in the ground often benefit from deeper, less frequent watering rather than a daily splash.
2. Deadhead Regularly
Remove fading flowers from suitable plants to keep displays tidy and encourage continued flowering.
3. Harvest Courgettes
Courgettes seem capable of becoming marrows overnight.
Pick them regularly while they’re at the size you prefer.
4. Pick Beans
Regular harvesting of runner and French beans helps keep plants productive.
5. Look After Tomatoes
Maintain consistent watering and feeding and continue supporting plants as required.
6. Adjust Lawn Care
Grass growth may slow during hot, dry periods. Raise your mower height and reduce mowing frequency if necessary.
A brown summer lawn will often recover when wetter weather returns.
7. Keep Ponds Healthy
Remove excessive dead material and monitor water levels.
Avoid completely stripping ponds of vegetation because they’re valuable habitats for wildlife.
8. Take Cuttings
July can be a useful month for taking cuttings from various garden plants, depending on species.
It’s an inexpensive way of increasing your plant collection.
9. Check Plants While You’re Away
Going on holiday? Arrange for someone to water vulnerable pots, baskets, greenhouse plants and vegetables.
Moving containers into a slightly more sheltered position can also reduce water demand.
10. Enjoy Summer Evenings
After all that work, fire up the barbecue, grab a drink and enjoy your garden.
You’ve earned it.
Keep Your Garden Going Through Summer
July gardening is mostly about maintaining what you’ve already created. Keep plants watered, crops harvested and flowers deadheaded and your garden should continue performing well into late summer.
Gardeners Guide — Grow Better. Garden Smarter.
