July is the heart of summer. Your garden is likely bursting with colour, scent, and fresh produce—but it’s also a time when plants need extra care. With sunshine and heat come dry soil, pests, and quick growth. Whether you’re growing flowers or food, here’s a guide to the key gardening tasks this month.

In the Flower Garden

1. Deadhead and Prune
Many summer flowers, including roses, geraniums, and dahlias, will continue blooming if you remove spent flowers regularly. Prune summer-flowering shrubs like lavender after they finish blooming to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

2. Water Smart
Water flowers early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. Focus on the base of the plants to prevent mildew and leaf burn. Mulch around your plants to lock in moisture and reduce weeds.

3. Feed for Flowers
Keep flowering displays strong by feeding hanging baskets, containers, and beds every couple of weeks with a liquid fertilizer. This helps extend blooming throughout the summer.

In the Fruit and Veg Garden

1. Harvest Regularly
Now is the time to enjoy your hard work! Pick ripe produce like:

• Tomatoes (fully red and slightly soft)

• Courgettes (when small for the best taste)

• Soft fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and gooseberries

Regular harvesting encourages more fruiting and reduces waste.

2. Sow Late Crops
It’s not too late to sow quick-maturing vegetables like:

• Radishes

• Lettuce

• Spring onions

• Beetroot

You can also begin sowing autumn crops such as kale, chard, and turnips to enjoy later in the year.

3. Support and Feed
Tie in climbing beans and tall crops like tomatoes. Feed fruiting plants with a high-potash liquid feed to promote more flowers and fruit.

In and Around the Garden

1. Pest Patrol
Keep an eye out for common summer pests such as aphids, red spider mites, and caterpillars. Check under leaves and around stems. Encourage helpful insects like ladybirds and lacewings by planting pollinator-friendly flowers and avoiding harsh chemicals.

2. Lawn Care
Mow the lawn regularly but raise the mower blades in hot, dry spells to prevent the grass from drying out. Leave grass clippings on the lawn to help retain moisture, or compost them.

3. Tidy Up
Stay on top of:

• Weeding (they thrive in summer sun too!)

• Cleaning and sharpening tools

• Refreshing mulch or compost heaps

4. Enjoy the Space
Take time to relax in your garden. Add a shaded seating area or some solar lights to enjoy it in the evening. Whether you’re sipping tea or hosting a barbecue, don’t forget to pause and appreciate your work.

Final Thoughts

Gardening in July is all about balance—between maintenance and enjoyment. A little regular attention goes a long way, whether you’re trimming flowers, harvesting dinner, or just pulling a few weeds. With the right care, your garden will stay vibrant and productive all summer long.

Happy gardening!