General
- Stay alert for drought: Check potted plants and young plants daily for drying out.
- Water in the early morning or late evening to limit evaporation.
- Mulch (tree bark, compost, leaves or straw) around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Mow the lawn less often and set the mower higher, longer grass protects the soil.
ornamental garden
- Remove faded flowers (deadheading) for roses, lavender, salvia and dahlias to stimulate continued flowering.
- Lightly prune back faded perennials (such as lady's mantle or geranium) for a second flowering.
- Sowing in July: biennial flowers such as forget-me-nots, violets and sweet williams.
- Take a cutting of lavender, rosemary or fuchsias.
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Check for pests such as aphids, caterpillars or spider mites due to drought and heat.
Kitchen garden
- Harvest: July is a top month for courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, berries and potatoes.
- Sow again: lettuce, arugula, radish, kale, endive, carrots and Swiss chard for late summer or autumn.
- Tie up tomato plants and remove side shoots weekly.
- Check for mold or mildew, especially with zucchini, pumpkin or grapes.
- Keep feeding: Give fast-growing vegetables liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks.
In the greenhouse or conservatory
- Good ventilation to prevent overheating and mold.
- Block out sunlight with shade cloth or white lime paint on the glass.
- Provide sufficient water, possibly with a drip system or water troughs.
Trees, hedges & shrubs
- Light summer pruning of hedges such as boxwood, privet, hornbeam or yew.
- Remove wild shoots (water shoots) with fruit trees or rose bushes.
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Give young planted trees extra water, especially during prolonged drought.
July is the month to fully enjoy your garden and to give your plants some extra attention. Regular watering, deadheading, harvesting summer vegetables and sowing new varieties: there is plenty to do. Don't forget to mulch, prune where necessary and protect your young plants from the heat.
With a little care in July, your garden will stay healthy, green and in full bloom… all summer long!
