As the height of summer arrives, July brings long, warm days and abundant growth in the garden. For gardeners, this month is a time of both enjoyment and diligence, as we balance harvesting the fruits of our labor with preparing for the seasons ahead. Whether you’re tending a sprawling backyard or a modest balcony garden, July offers plenty of opportunities to nurture your plants and plan for future growth.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Bounty
One of the greatest joys of July gardening is the abundance of fresh produce and beautiful blooms. Here’s what you should focus on harvesting this month:
Vegetables:
Courgettes (Zucchini):
- Harvest when they’re 4-6 inches long for best flavor and texture
- Pick every 1-2 days to prevent oversized fruits
- Use a sharp knife to cut the stem, leaving about an inch attached to the fruit
- Regular harvesting encourages continued production
Peas and Beans:
- Pick peas when pods are plump but still bright green
- Harvest beans when pods are crisp and before seeds bulge
- Pick from bottom to top of the plant
- The more you pick, the more the plants will produce
Early Potatoes:
- Start harvesting when flowers appear on the plants
- Gently dig around the plant with a fork to avoid damaging tubers
- Only harvest what you need, leaving the rest to continue growing
Salad Leaves and Fast-Growing Crops:
- Harvest outer leaves of lettuce, allowing center to continue growing
- Pick radishes when they reach about 1 inch in diameter
- Harvest spring onions when they’re pencil-thick
Fruits
Soft Fruits:
- Pick strawberries when fully colored and slightly soft to touch
- Harvest raspberries by gently pulling; ripe fruits will come away easily
- Pick blackberries and other bramble fruits when glossy and fully colored
Early Apples and Pears:
- Test ripeness by lifting and twisting gently; ripe fruits will come away easily
- Check for even coloring and slight softness at the stem end
- Harvest in the morning for best flavor
Currants and Gooseberries:
- Pick entire strings of currants when berries are shiny and fully colored
- Harvest gooseberries when they’ve reached full size but before they soften
Herbs
- Basil: Pinch off top sets of leaves regularly to encourage bushier growth
- Parsley and Cilantro: Cut outer stems at the base, allowing center to regrow
- Mint: Cut stems just above a leaf intersection for continued growth
- Dry herbs by hanging small bunches in a warm, dry, dark place
Flowers
Deadheading:
- Remove faded blooms regularly to encourage more flowers
- Cut back to the first set of healthy leaves below the spent flower
- For plants with multiple blooms on a stem, wait until most flowers have faded before cutting the entire stem
Cutting for Arrangements:
- Cut in early morning or late evening when stems are full of water
- Use sharp, clean scissors or pruners to avoid crushing stems
- Place cut stems immediately in water
- Choose flowers that are just beginning to open for longest vase life
Remember to harvest regularly and at the right stage of ripeness for each crop. This not only ensures the best flavor and quality but also stimulates many plants to continue producing throughout the season.
Planting for Late Summer and Fall
While you’re enjoying your current harvests, it’s also time to think ahead. July is an excellent month for planting crops that will mature in late summer or fall:
Vegetables:
Quick-maturing Peas and Beans:
- Choose varieties like ‘Oregon Sugar Pod II’ snow peas or ‘Provider’ bush beans
- Sow directly in the garden, 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart
- Provide support for climbing varieties
- Expect harvest in 50-60 days
Winter Brassicas:
- Plant out seedlings of cabbage, broccoli, and kale
- Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 24-36 inches apart
- Add compost to the planting hole and water well
- Protect young plants from pests with row covers
Root Vegetables:
- Sow carrots, beets, and turnips directly in the garden
- Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in rows 12-18 inches apart
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they emerge
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination
Autumn and Winter Salads:
- Sow lettuce, arugula, and Asian greens like mizuna
- Plant in succession every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest
- Choose heat-tolerant varieties for summer sowing
Herbs
- Sow cilantro seeds every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvest
- Plant dill in a sheltered spot to protect from strong winds
- Consider heat-tolerant varieties of basil for late-season planting
- Sow parsley for fall and winter use
Flowers
Biennials:
- Sow foxgloves and wallflowers in seed trays or a nursery bed
- Keep soil consistently moist and provide partial shade
- Transplant to final positions in fall for blooming next year
Autumn-flowering Bulbs:
- Plant colchicums and autumn crocuses 4-6 inches deep
- Choose a well-drained spot with full sun to partial shade
- Water well after planting and mulch to retain moisture
Hot Weather Planting Tips:
- Water the soil thoroughly before planting
- Plant in the evening or on an overcast day to reduce transplant shock
- Use shade cloth or row covers to protect seedlings from intense sun
- Mulch around new plantings to retain soil moisture
- Water deeply and regularly until plants are established
Remember, timing is crucial when planting for late summer and fall. Consider your local first frost date and the days to maturity for each crop to ensure a successful harvest before winter sets in
Maintenance Tasks
July’s warm weather can bring rapid growth, but also challenges like pests and diseases. Here are some key maintenance tasks to keep your garden thriving:
Watering:
- Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more drought-resistant. Aim for 1-2 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
- For containers and newly planted areas, check soil moisture daily. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Early morning watering (5-9 am) allows foliage to dry before evening, reducing disease risk. Evening watering (4-7 pm) reduces evaporation but leaves may stay wet overnight.
- Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation.
Weeding:
- Pull weeds when they’re small and the soil is moist for easier removal.
- Use a hoe to slice off weeds at the soil surface on dry, sunny days.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (e.g., straw, wood chips, or compost) around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
- Consider using landscape fabric in vegetable gardens or annual beds for long-term weed suppression.
Pruning and Training:
- For June-bearing strawberries, mow or cut foliage to 1 inch above crowns after harvest. This encourages new growth and helps prevent disease.
- On wisteria, cut back the current year’s growth to 5-6 leaves from the main stem. This promotes flower bud formation for next year.
- Pinch out the growing tips of runner beans when they reach the top of their supports to encourage bushier growth and more pods.
- Remove suckers from tomato plants to direct energy to fruit production.
Pest and Disease Control:
- Inspect plants regularly, checking undersides of leaves for pests.
- For aphids, blast them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Hand-pick larger pests like caterpillars and slugs. Set out beer traps for slugs.
- For blight on tomatoes and potatoes, remove affected leaves immediately and improve air circulation. Consider using copper-based fungicides as a preventative measure.
- Practice crop rotation to reduce soil-borne diseases.
Lawn Care:
- Set mower blades higher (about 3 inches) during dry spells to reduce stress on grass.
- Water deeply (1 inch) once a week if there’s no rain, preferably in early morning.
- Consider letting the lawn go dormant during extreme drought – it will green up when rains return.
- Avoid fertilizing during hot, dry weather as this can stress the grass.
Composting:
- Turn compost every 1-2 weeks to aerate and mix materials, speeding decomposition.
- Maintain a balance of “green” (nitrogen-rich) materials like grass clippings and kitchen scraps, and “brown” (carbon-rich) materials like dry leaves and straw.
- Keep compost moist but not soggy – about as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
- Consider adding a compost activator to jump-start decomposition in new piles.
By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you’ll help your garden thrive through the challenges of July’s heat and potential pest pressures.
Greenhouse and Indoor Gardening
If you have a greenhouse or indoor plants, they’ll need special attention in July:
Ventilation:
- Open vents and doors early in the morning to allow fresh air circulation
- Use automatic vent openers to maintain consistent temperatures
- Install fans to improve air movement, especially in corners and dead spots
- Apply shade paint or hang shade cloth to reduce solar gain on hot days
- Consider installing misting systems for cooling and humidity control
- Monitor temperatures closely, aiming to keep them below 90°F (32°C)
Watering and Feeding:
- Water deeply in the early morning to reduce evaporation
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for efficient watering
- Check soil moisture daily, especially for container plants
- Increase watering frequency during heatwaves
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer weekly to most plants
- Use a high-potash fertilizer (e.g. 5-10-10) for fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers
- Consider foliar feeding with a dilute fertilizer solution for quick nutrient uptake
Pruning and Training:
- Remove side shoots from cordon tomatoes weekly
- Tie tomato stems to supports as they grow
- Pinch out the growing tips of cucumber plants at the greenhouse roof
- Train cucumber vines along horizontal wires or netting
- Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves promptly
- Prune peppers and eggplants to encourage bushier growth
- Trim herbs regularly to prevent flowering and maintain compact growth
Pest Control:
- Inspect plants at least twice weekly for signs of pests
- Look for red spider mites on leaf undersides, especially in hot, dry areas
- Use yellow sticky traps to monitor for whitefly and other flying pests
- Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or predatory mites for biological control
- Apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil for organic pest management
- Maintain good hygiene by removing fallen leaves and debris
- Isolate any infected plants immediately to prevent spread
Additional considerations:
- Ensure proper pollination of fruiting plants, using hand pollination if necessary
- Harvest ripe produce regularly to encourage continued production
- Consider installing a small fan for air circulation in indoor growing areas
- For indoor plants, rotate pots regularly to ensure even growth and light exposure
- Monitor humidity levels, using a hygrometer to maintain optimal conditions
By paying close attention to these details, you can help your greenhouse and indoor plants thrive during the hot summer month of July.
Planning and Preparation
While enjoying the present bounty, July is also a time to look ahead:
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Order Spring-Flowering Bulbs:
- Research and select bulb varieties suitable for your climate zone
- Consider bloom times to plan for a succession of flowers from early to late spring
- Order early for best selection, as popular varieties can sell out quickly
- Plan for bulb placement in your garden, considering factors like sun exposure and soil drainage
- Calculate quantities needed based on your garden design and desired impact
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Take Stock:
- Walk through your garden with a notebook, recording observations
- Note which plants are thriving and which are struggling
- Identify areas that need improvement (e.g., better soil, more water, different plant combinations)
- Assess the effectiveness of pest control measures
- Evaluate the success of new plants or gardening techniques tried this year
- Consider taking photos to help with winter planning
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Collect Seeds:
- Identify plants suitable for seed saving (avoid hybrids, which may not come true from seed)
- Allow seed heads to dry on the plant before collecting
- Collect seeds on a dry day to prevent mold
- Clean seeds and store in paper envelopes or glass jars in a cool, dry place
- Label containers with plant name and date collected
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Propagation:
- Choose healthy, disease-free plants for propagation
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings from semi-ripe wood (current season’s growth that has begun to harden)
- Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone
- Plant cuttings in a well-draining potting mix
- Keep cuttings in a warm, humid environment until roots develop
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Plan Crop Rotations:
- Review this year’s vegetable garden layout
- Plan to move plant families to different areas next year to prevent soil depletion and disease buildup
- Consider companion planting strategies for next season
- Make notes on which crop combinations worked well this year
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Assess Soil Health:
- Consider conducting a soil test to check nutrient levels and pH
- Plan for any necessary soil amendments to be added in fall or spring
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Review Garden Infrastructure:
- Assess the condition of garden structures like trellises, raised beds, and fencing
- Plan for any repairs or improvements to be made in the off-season
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Consider New Projects:
- Research and plan for any new garden features you’d like to add next year (e.g., a new bed, water feature, or composting system)
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Budget Planning:
- Review garden expenses for the year
- Start budgeting for next year’s garden projects and plant purchases
By focusing on these planning and preparation tasks in July, gardeners can set themselves up for success in the coming seasons and make the most of the current growing season.
Wildlife Gardening
July is a bustling time for garden wildlife. Here’s how you can support and enjoy the creatures in your garden:
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Provide Water:
- Bird baths:
- Clean and refill daily, especially during hot weather
- Place at different heights to accommodate various bird species
- Add a few pebbles for smaller birds to stand on
- Consider adding a dripper or mister for moving water, which attracts more birds
- Wildlife ponds:
- Top up with rainwater if possible to maintain water levels
- Remove excess algae or duckweed to maintain water quality
- Ensure gently sloping sides or ramps for easy access/exit
- Add oxygenating plants to keep water clear
- Create shaded areas with floating plants like water lilies
- Shallow water sources for insects:
- Use shallow dishes or saucers filled with water and pebbles
- Place in sunny spots around the garden
- Change water regularly to prevent mosquito breeding
- Consider adding a bee bath with marbles or stones for safe landing spots
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Create Habitats:
- Long grass areas:
- Leave patches of lawn unmown, at least 10cm tall
- Ideal for grasshoppers, crickets, and small mammals
- Consider creating a wildflower meadow in part of your lawn
- Insect hotels:
- Use materials like hollow stems, drilled wood blocks, and bundles of twigs
- Place in sunny, sheltered spots
- Check and clean out annually in late winter
- Log piles:
- Create in shady corners for beetles, centipedes, and hibernating hedgehogs
- Use a variety of wood types and sizes
- Allow some logs to decay naturally
- Leaf litter:
- Leave fallen leaves in borders and under hedges
- Provides habitat for insects and hedgehogs
- Acts as natural mulch and soil improver
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Avoid Disturbing Nesting Birds:
- Delay major hedge trimming until August/September
- Carefully inspect hedges and shrubs for active nests before any necessary pruning
- Create nesting spaces by installing bird boxes or leaving dense shrubs unpruned
- Be aware of ground-nesting birds in long grass or wildflower areas
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Night-time Gardening:
- Use minimal lighting to avoid disorienting nocturnal creatures
- Set up a moth-attracting station with a white sheet and low-wattage UV light
- Use a bat detector to identify different bat species visiting your garden
- Look for hedgehogs and leave out shallow dishes of water and suitable food
- Listen for nocturnal birds like owls
Additional wildlife-friendly activities for July:
- Plant nectar-rich flowers like lavender, buddleia, and verbena for butterflies and bees
- Allow some fruits and vegetables to overripen on plants for insects and birds
- Create a compost heap for habitat and to recycle garden waste
- Avoid using pesticides; encourage natural predators instead
- Set up a wildlife camera to observe nocturnal visitors
- Create corridors between different habitat areas in your garden
- Provide nesting materials like pet hair, small twigs, or moss for late-nesting birds
By implementing these practices, you can create a thriving ecosystem in your garden that supports a wide variety of wildlife throughout the summer months.
Enjoying Your Garden
Amidst all the tasks, don’t forget to take time to enjoy your garden:
Outdoor Living:
Seating areas:
- Create multiple seating zones for different times of day (sunny spots for morning coffee, shaded areas for afternoon relaxation)
- Use weather-resistant furniture like teak, metal, or all-weather wicker
- Add comfort with outdoor cushions and throws in moisture-resistant fabrics
- Consider a hammock or swing for a relaxing focal point
Lighting:
- Install solar-powered path lights for safety and ambiance
- Use string lights or lanterns in seating areas for a magical evening atmosphere
- Consider uplighting key plants or garden features for dramatic nighttime effects
- Add citronella candles or torches to ward off mosquitoes
Outdoor dining:
- Set up a dining area with a sturdy table and comfortable chairs
- Use an umbrella or pergola for shade during meals
- Keep a storage box nearby for outdoor dinnerware and serving items
Garden Photography:
Capture overall views:
- Take photos from different angles to showcase your garden’s layout
- Use early morning or late afternoon light for the best natural lighting
Focus on details:
- Get close-ups of individual flowers, interesting leaf patterns, or garden wildlife
- Experiment with macro photography for stunning detail shots
Document progress:
- Take regular photos from the same spots to track your garden’s growth over time
- Photograph before-and-after shots of garden projects
Create a garden journal:
- Combine your photos with notes about plant varieties, weather conditions, and gardening techniques
- Use a digital platform or create a physical scrapbook to preserve your memories
Garden-to-Table:
Harvest-inspired meals:
- Plan meals around what’s ready to harvest in your garden
- Try new recipes that showcase your homegrown produce
- Experiment with preserving techniques like pickling or making jams
Herb infusions:
- Create flavored oils or vinegars with garden herbs
- Make herb-infused simple syrups for cocktails or lemonades
Garden gatherings:
- Host a garden-to-table dinner party featuring your homegrown produce
- Organize a garden tour and tasting event for friends and neighbors
- Have a picnic in your garden, using fresh-picked ingredients
Mindful Moments:
Morning meditation:
Start your day with a quiet moment in the garden, listening to birdsong and observing the early light
Sensory experiences:
- Take time to smell different flowers and herbs
- Feel the various textures of leaves and bark
- Listen for the buzzing of bees and the rustle of leaves in the breeze
Nature journaling:
- Keep a notebook in the garden to jot down observations
- Sketch interesting plants or garden visitors
Evening reflection:
End your day with a quiet walk through the garden, noticing how it changes in the fading light
Wildlife watching:
- Set up a comfortable spot to observe birds, butterflies, or other garden visitors
- Keep a log of the different species you see throughout the month
Remember, your garden is not just a place for work, but a space for relaxation, creativity, and connection with nature. By taking time to truly enjoy your garden, you’ll deepen your appreciation for the natural world and find renewed inspiration for your gardening efforts.
Bottom Line
July in the garden is a time of abundance and activity. By balancing harvesting with planning for the future, maintaining your current plants while sowing for later seasons, you ensure a continuous cycle of growth and enjoyment in your garden. Remember to stay hydrated and protected from the sun as you work, and don’t forget to take moments to simply enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, July offers something for everyone in the garden. Happy gardening!