What to Do in the Garden in July

July is high summer in the garden. With potentially scorching temperatures and abundant harvests, this month demands regular attention to watering, feeding and harvesting. The rewards are plentiful.

Key Takeaways for July

• Water deeply and regularly, especially in dry spells
• Harvest regularly to encourage continued cropping
• Deadhead flowers to extend displays
• Summer prune wisteria and trained fruit trees
• Take semi-ripe cuttings from shrubs
• Sow autumn vegetables and biennials

Flowers

Summer borders are in full glory. Keep deadheading and watering to maintain the display.

July Flower Tasks

• Deadhead roses, dahlias and annuals regularly
• Take semi-ripe cuttings from shrubs like lavender
• Summer prune wisteria - cut back whippy shoots to 5-6 leaves
• Feed container plants and hanging baskets weekly
• Water containers daily in hot weather
• Cut back early perennials for second flush
• Layer border carnations
• Order spring bulbs for autumn planting
• Collect seeds from favourite flowers
• Cut and dry flowers for arrangements

Fruit and Vegetables

Peak harvest season! Pick crops regularly and keep sowing for autumn.

July Fruit and Veg Tasks

• Harvest tomatoes, courgettes, beans and salads daily
• Pick raspberries, blackcurrants and gooseberries
• Summer prune trained apple and pear trees
• Continue successional sowing of lettuce and radishes
• Sow spring cabbage, turnips and oriental greens
• Plant out leeks and brassicas for winter
• Water crops deeply in dry weather
• Stop harvesting asparagus to let ferns develop
• Prop up heavily laden fruit tree branches
• Net blueberries and autumn raspberries

Greenhouse

Ventilation is critical in the heat of July. Regular picking keeps crops productive.

July Greenhouse Tasks

• Harvest tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers regularly
• Remove tomato sideshoots weekly
• Feed and water daily
• Ventilate fully day and night in hot weather
• Damp down floors regularly
• Watch for red spider mite and whitefly
• Remove lower tomato leaves as fruits ripen
• Pollinate peppers and aubergines
• Pinch out tomato tips once 4-5 trusses set
• Sow tender herbs for winter windowsill

House Plants

Outdoor houseplants need daily watering in hot weather. Keep checking for pests.

July House Plant Tasks

• Water daily in hot weather
• Feed weekly with liquid fertiliser
• Move plants from scorching south-facing windows
• Check for pests and diseases regularly
• Mist humidity-loving plants
• Take cuttings to share with friends

Garden Maintenance

Don't let the garden dry out in summer heat. Water deeply and mulch to conserve moisture.

July Maintenance Tasks

• Water new plantings deeply every few days
• Raise mower height in dry weather
• Leave lawn clippings on dry lawns to conserve moisture
• Top up ponds in hot weather
• Add oxygenating plants if water turns green
• Keep bird baths topped up
• Weed borders and paths regularly
• Clip hedges and topiary