July in the garden

July

Is a wonderful time for gardening…

The sun shines bright and the plants are in full bloom. However, the hot weather can also bring challenges and require some extra care for your garden. In this blog post, we will provide you with some essential gardening advice for the month of July..

Watering is crucial during the summer months, especially in July when temperatures can soar. As June looks to have been one of the hottest on record, it may well continue into July! Make sure to water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation. Water the plants deeply, ensuring the moisture reaches the roots. It's better to water less frequently but thoroughly, rather than shallowly and often, as this encourages the plants to develop deep roots. Consider using a drip irrigation system or a soaker hose to efficiently water your plants.

Mulching is another important task in July. Applying a layer of mulch around your plants helps to retain moisture in the soil, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or compost, are excellent options as they also improve soil fertility over time. Remember to leave a gap between the mulch and the plant stems to prevent stem rot.

July is a great time to tackle weeds. Regular weeding helps prevent competition for nutrients and water, ensuring your plants thrive. Be diligent in removing weeds before they set seed to prevent further spreading. Avoid using chemical weed killers, as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.

Pruning is an essential gardening task in July. Trim back any overgrown shrubs or hedges to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. Deadhead spent flowers on annuals and perennials to promote continuous blooming.

Regular feeding is essential to keep your plants nourished and promote vibrant growth. We’d suggest using a balanced organic fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers or fruits.

If you have a vegetable garden, July is a busy month for harvesting. Keep an eye on your crops and harvest them as they become ripe. Regular harvesting encourages plants to continue producing and prevents overripening. Remember to store harvested produce properly to maintain freshness.

Check your plants regularly for signs of pest infestation, such as chewed leaves or discoloured patches. Handpick any visible pests, like slugs or aphids, and consider using organic pest control methods if necessary. Encouraging beneficial insects, like ladybugs and beetles, with log piles, compost heaps and leaf litter can also help keep pest populations in check.

Finally, take some time to sit back and enjoy your garden. July is a beautiful month when flowers are in full bloom, and the garden is a haven of colours and scents. Take a moment to relax, have a cup of tea, and bask in the beauty you have created.

If you require some gardening advice contact our plant experts in store for assistance. And why not stop by the café for some refreshment while you’re here!