Spending time outdoors in the garden is always time spent well, and we love seeing our garden blooming with life. With sunflowers preparing to tower over fences to bees, birds and butterflies finding their food sources. Read our tips for keeping on top of things in your garden for July.
1. Watering wisely
As temperatures start to rise, your garden will need more water. However, it's important to water wisely, whilst still ensuring your plants get the hydration they need. We recommend getting water butts installed before the autumn months.
- Early morning or late evening: Water your plants in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and allow the water to soak deep into the soil. Watering at peak heat times can cause your plants to scorch.
- Focus on roots: Aim the water at the base of the plants rather than the leaves to ensure the roots get the moisture they need.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around your plants can help to retain moisture and keep the soil cool. Mulch can also suppress weeds, which saves you the dreaded job of weeding.
2. Deadheading and pruning
July is the perfect time to deadhead and prune your plants to keep them healthy and encourage new growth.
- Deadheading: Regularly remove dead flower heads from your plants. This encourages them to produce more blooms rather than putting energy into seed production. With plants like Sweet Peas, you can pick them regularly whilst in full bloom and pop them in bud vases to bring indoors - the more you pick, the more you get.
- Pruning: Trim back any overgrown shrubs or perennials with secateurs to maintain their shape and promote bushier growth. This is also a good time to prune early-summer flowering shrubs, once they have finished blooming.
3. Harvesting
July is a rewarding month for harvesting, with many fruits and vegetables reaching their prime.
- Fruits: Pick strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, and currants as they ripen. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.
- Vegetables: Harvest courgettes, beans, peas, and salad greens regularly to keep them producing.
- Herbs: Cut herbs like basil, parsley, and mint regularly to encourage fresh growth. Dry or freeze any excess for use throughout the year.
4. Planning and planting
While enjoying the summer blooms, it's also time to plan and plant for the next season.
- Autumn and Winter Crops: If you haven't already, start thinking about and sowing your autumn and winter crops.
- Bulbs: Order spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips now, ready to plant in the autumn for a stunning spring display.
5. Enjoy your garden
Finally, take the time to enjoy your garden. July is the perfect month to relax and enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space.
- Garden Parties: Host a garden party or barbecue and share your beautiful space with friends and family. Make use of your outdoor furniture and picnicware and dine alfresco.
- Wildlife Watching: Spend some quiet moments observing the wildlife that visits your garden. Birds, butterflies, and bees are particularly active around this time of year!
