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  4. July

July in the Garden

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Gardening in July

We never know quite what the weather will be like in July, so when the sun shines, take every opportunity to get out and enjoy your garden. Most plants are in full bloom now, and there’s plenty to do to keep things looking good, whether it’s watering plants in dry spells, deadheading faded flowers or keeping on top of the weeding. And don’t forget to take some time to simply sit and appreciate all the results of your hard work!

What to plant and do in July?

You’ll really start to reap the rewards of your gardening efforts in July with so many vegetables and fruit to harvest. There’s still lots to do and plant in July, so choose your favourite category below and read our top gardening tips for the month.

  • Vegetables
  • Fruit
  • Lawns
  • Herbs and spices
  • Ornamental plants
Cucumbers

Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)

Delicious in salads and sandwiches, the crisp, sweet crunch of a cucumber is one of the joys of summer.

Read more about Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)
Peas

Peas (Pisum sativum)

Nothing beats home-grown peas for their tenderness and taste.

Read more about Peas (Pisum sativum)
How to grow onions

Onions (Allium cepa)

Onions (Allium cepa) are an essential ingredient in every cook’s store cupboard.

Read more about Onions (Allium cepa)
how to grow courgettes

Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo)

Courgettes are a common summer staple in the vegetable garden.

Read more about Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo)
How to grow runner beans

Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus)

Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus) are among the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow.

Read more about Runner beans (Phaseolus coccineus)
growing salad leaves

Salad leaves (various)

Grow your own salad and you can pick exactly how much you want and need.

Read more about Salad leaves (various)
growing sweetcorn

Sweetcorn (Zea mays)

Sweetcorn, or maize, is sweet, tender and delicious – especially when cooked as soon as it is picked. Plenty of sun and...

Read more about Sweetcorn (Zea mays)
how to grow spring onions

Spring onions (Scallion)

Spring onions are a delicious addition to a whole range of dishes, from summer salads to stir-fries.

Read more about Spring onions (Scallion)
How to grow potatoes

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are tubers that grow and form at the plant’s roots.

Read more about Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
How to grow tomatoes

Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum)

Nothing beats the taste of your own home-grown tomatoes, freshly-picked and warm from the summer sun.

Read more about Tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum)
How to grow garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is the base of so many delicious dishes, and growing garlic at home is now very popular.

Read more about Garlic (Allium sativum)
How to grow pumpkins

Pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata)

Delicious in pies, soups and stews, and full of vitamins and minerals, pumpkins are a tasty autumn and winter treat.

Read more about Pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata)
How to Grow Lupins

Lupins (Lupinus)

Lupins are a traditional addition to any garden, providing colourful flowers from late spring through to mid-summer.

Read more about Lupins (Lupinus)
How to Grow French Beans

French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

French beans are a versatile vegetable, producing attractive, long, thin pods, and creamy haricot beans.

Read more about French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
How to grow and care for Cavolo Nero

Cavolo Nero (Lacinato kale)

‘Cavolo Nero’ is a variety of kale, closely related to broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.

Read more about Cavolo Nero (Lacinato kale)
How to grow and care for Rocket salad leaves

Rocket (Eruca vesicaria)

Salad rocket, like its name, is a fast-growing salad leaf, perfect for adding a peppery spiciness to your salads.

Read more about Rocket (Eruca vesicaria)
How to grow and care for Chard

Chard (Beta vulgaris)

Chard, or Swiss Chard, is a delicious and beautiful plant which will bring harvests to the kitchen and colour to the...

Read more about Chard (Beta vulgaris)
How to grow sorrel

Sorrel (Rumex)

Sorrel is a great substitute for spinach, with a similar texture but a sharper citrus flavour.

Read more about Sorrel (Rumex)
How to grow sugar snap peas

Sugar snap peas (Pisum sativum)

​Sugar snap peas are a deliciously sweet, fun and quick-cropping vegetable to grow.

Read more about Sugar snap peas (Pisum sativum)
Sections of harvested horseradish root and grated horseradish on a wooden table

Horseradish

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a hardy perennial known for its hot and peppery roots, widely used in cooking and...

Read more about Horseradish
how to grow strawberries

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa)

If you’re a strawberry fan, the many varieties of ‘Fragaria × ananassa’ are easy to grow at home.

Read more about Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa)
How to grow raspberries

Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)

What could be better than a bowl of sweet, freshly-picked raspberries in summer?

Read more about Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)
How to grow blueberries

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium angustifolium)

Eaten fresh, baked in muffins or as the star attraction in jams or desserts, blueberries are always delicious.

Read more about Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum, Vaccinium angustifolium)
Avocado

Avocado (Persea americana)

Avocados are a favourite fruit used in kitchens around the world - why not try planting the stone to grow your own?

Read more about Avocado (Persea americana)
How to Grow Banana Plants

Banana (Ensete, Musa)

With their exotic and enormous foliage, banana plants add a taste of the tropics to the garden.

Read more about Banana (Ensete, Musa)
How to grow butternut squash

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata)

Butternut squash are a late season favourite, with attractive fruits which will keep well throughout the autumn and...

Read more about Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata)
How to grow and care for peaches

Peach (Prunus persica)

What better way to round off a summer meal than with a luscious peach? Even better, a peach you’ve grown yourself!

Read more about Peach (Prunus persica)
How to grow and care for mango trees

Mango (Mangifera indica)

Everyone loves mangoes, but did you know that you can grow a mango tree from a seed?

Read more about Mango (Mangifera indica)
How to grow and care for cherry trees

Cherry (Prunus subg. Cerasus, Prunus sect. Microcerasus)

Cherry trees are truly beautiful, with different species offering gorgeous flowers, bark, leaves, and fruit. You can...

Read more about Cherry (Prunus subg. Cerasus, Prunus sect. Microcerasus)
 Close-up of ripe figs on fig tree branch.

Fig Tree

Fig trees (Ficus carica) are Mediterranean natives that thrive in climates with hot, dry summers and cool winters...

Read more about Fig Tree
how to grow basil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Cultivated in herb gardens for centuries, Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow from seed and it makes a delicious...

Read more about Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
how to grow coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

Coriander is a must in salads and as a fragrant green addition to Indian, Thai and Chinese curries.

Read more about Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
How to grow chillies

Chillies (Capsicum annuum)

It seems that most people now have at a few chilli pepper plants at home.

Read more about Chillies (Capsicum annuum)
How to grow and care for peppermint plants

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Peppermint is super easy to grow. The flowers attract beneficial wildlife to the garden, and peppermint plants are...

Read more about Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
How to grow borage

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage, or starflower, is an easy-to-grow herb with edible flowers and leaves.

Read more about Borage (Borago officinalis)
How to grow sunflowers

Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)

If you want to grow something spectacular, plant sunflowers.

Read more about Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus)
Caring for Alliums

Allium

Alliums belong to the same family as onions, garlic and leeks, as you can tell from the scent when you crush the foliage...

Read more about Allium
how to grow sweet peas

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus)

Sweet peas are an incredibly popular summer climbing plant. They produce masses of flowers all summer long.

Read more about Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus)
Pink Peony

Peony (Paeonia)

These stunning plants provide a captivating elegance to a border. Large colourful flowers flourish in late spring and...

Read more about Peony (Paeonia)
Salvias

Salvia

There are over 900 distinct species of Salvia, providing a huge range of smells and vivacious colours.

Read more about Salvia
How to grow and care for Geums

Geum

Pretty and delicate, Geums provide colour throughout the summer. They are frost tolerant, happy in a range of soil types...

Read more about Geum
How to grow and care for Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Most Honeysuckles have a sweet heady summer fragrance and are very beneficial to garden wildlife.

Read more about Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
How to grow and care for Helenium

Helenium

Bearing bold flowers in orange, red and yellow, Heleniums are a bright and cheerful addition to the garden border.

Read more about Helenium
How to grow and care for Nerine bulbs

Nerine

Perfect for autumn colour, the brightly coloured Nerine is a great addition to a sun-soaked border. They can also be...

Read more about Nerine
How to grow and care for Violas

Pansies and violets (Viola)

The Viola is an adaptable low growing bedding plant coming in both classic and trailing varieties.

Read more about Pansies and violets (Viola)
How to grow and care for Cosmos

Cosmos

Cosmos, also known as ‘Mexican Aster’, is a great low maintenance and long flowering annual.

Read more about Cosmos
How to grow and care for Snapdragons

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)

Coming in a range of colours and sizes, Snapdragons bloom from June through to October on tall spire stems.

Read more about Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
How to grow and care for Anemone

Anemone

Anemones are a cheerful and vibrant group of plants, providing interest from early spring onwards.

Read more about Anemone
How to plant a tree

How to plant a tree

A well planted tree will live for decades, providing endless benefits to the environment and wildlife.

Read more about How to plant a tree
How to grow and care for Sedums | Love The Garden

Sedum

Plants in the Sedum genus are easy to grow, produce lots of nectar for pollinators, and provide lovely autumn colour.

Read more about Sedum
How to grow and care for Calathea

Calathea (Calathea)

Calathea do have a reputation of being tricky to grow, but these challenges are well worth mastering

Read more about Calathea (Calathea)
How to grow and care for Hostas

Hostas (Hosta)

Hostas are usually grown for their beautiful leaves, with the attractive foliage coming in various shades of green, blue...

Read more about Hostas (Hosta)

Vegetables

What vegetables to plant in July

The vegetable garden is in full swing in July, and there’s plenty to do, with winter vegetable seedlings to plant out, successional crops like salad leaves to sow, and delicious vegetables to harvest for the dinner table. Keep up with the weeding, watering and feeding to give your vegetables everything they need to ripen, and be on the lookout for any signs of pests and diseases.

Sow outdoors directly into well-prepared soil, in beds, borders or containers.

  • Beetroot
  • Salad leaves
  • Kohl rabi
  • Pak choi
  • Radishes
  • Spring onions
  • Turnips

Plant out seedlings into vegetable beds:

  • Sprouting broccoli
  • Winter cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Kale
  • Leeks
  • Brussels sprouts

What vegetables to harvest in July;

There are plenty of vegetables to harvest this month, giving you a chance to enjoy the taste of your own home-grown, fresh-picked produce. These vegetables should all be ready to harvest in July:

  • Courgettes
  • Garlic
  • Runner beans
  • Beetroot
  • Peas
  • Chard
  • Potatoes
  • Salad
  • Tomatoes

Vegetable plant maintenance in July

  • Pinch out tomato side shoots on cordon tomatoes. There’s no need to do this for bush tomatoes.
  • Feed tomatoes, courgettes, peppers and cucumbers weekly with a liquid high potash feed.
  • Harvest courgettes, runner beans and French beans regularly – they taste best when young and tender, and it encourages the plants to produce more.
  • Tie in cucumbers and cordon tomatoes to supports.
  • Pinch out the tips of aubergine, squash and courgette plants to produce bushy plants.
  • Water regularly, especially container-grown plants.
  • Check for cabbage white eggs under brassica leaves and squash any you find.
  • Earth up potatoes to improve the yield and prevent those developing near the surface turning green.
  • Weed regularly, hoeing carefully around plants to avoid damaging shallow roots.

Fruit

What fruit to plant in July

There’s an abundance of fruit to harvest in July, especially soft fruit like currants, summer-fruiting raspberries, gooseberries and the last of the strawberries. Use them fresh in delicious puddings and tarts, or freeze them to keep you well stocked with fruit for the winter. These fruits should all be ready to harvest in July:

  • Strawberries
  • Blackcurrants
  • Redcurrants
  • Whitecurrants
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Cherries
  • Apricots
  • Peaches
  • Nectarines

Fruit plant maintenance in July

  • Thin out fruit on fruit trees like apples, plums, pears and peaches by removing some of the fruit from each cluster. This helps to concentrate the plants’ energies in developing the remaining fruits.
  • Feed container-grown fruit plants.
  • Feed citrus trees with a specialized citrus feed.
  • Water container-grown fruit trees regularly in dry spells.
  • Peg down runners from strawberry plants to produce new plants for next year. If you don’t need new strawberry plants, cut the runners off.
  • When summer-fruiting raspberries have finished cropping, cut out the old fruiting canes to ground level.
  • Prune stone fruit such as plum, cherry, apricot and peach trees now, as there’s less risk of infection by silver leaf disease if the trees are pruned in summer.
  • Prune espalier, fan and cordon trained fruit trees.
  • Treat apple scab by cutting off and disposing of any infected twigs, leaves or fruit.

Lawns

Lawn maintenance in July

Lawns get a lot of wear in summer when we’re all out in our gardens enjoying the sunshine. The main task for this month is to keep your lawn looking tidy by mowing regularly, trimming the edges and giving it a feed if necessary.

In very hot, dry summers, lawns can start to look a little brown, but don’t rush to water yours straightaway if this happens. Grass is tough and will generally bounce back once it gets some rain, so be water-wise and wait a while.

  • Apply a high-nitrogen feed to the lawn if you have not already done this in previous months.
  • Tackle lawn weeds – dig individual weeds up by hand or use a selective lawn weedkiller to tackle heavy infestations.
  • Water newly laid turf or recently seeded lawns regularly in hot dry weather to avoid them drying out before their roots have had a chance to establish.
  • Mow the lawn regularly. In hot, dry summers, raise the blades on your mower to reduce the stress on the grass.
  • Use edging shears to keep the edges of the lawn trimmed around borders and paving.
  • If you do need to water established lawns, do it in the mornings to reduce the risk of red thread, a fungal disease.

Herbs and spices

What herbs and spices to plant in July

Herb gardens really come into their own in summer, bursting with growth all ready for harvesting and using in the kitchen. Sow these herbs in July for a constant supply of fresh leaves:

Sow outdoors in pots or in well-prepared soil:

  • Basil
  • Coriander
  • Dill

What herbs and spices to harvest in July

Many herbs benefit from regular harvesting and will simply put on more growth, ready to be used. All herbs can be harvested in July, including:

  • Lavender flowers (for drying)
  • Borage flowers
  • Basil
  • Coriander
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Parsley
  • Rosemary
  • Dill
  • Mint
  • Chives

Herbs and spices plant maintenance in July

  • Water container-grown herbs regularly in hot weather.
  • Harvest herbs like thyme, basil and rosemary regularly for cooking. This promotes the growth of fresh new leaves.
  • Sow annual herbs like coriander every few weeks, so that you have a continuous supply through summer.
  • Pinch off any developing flowers from annual and biennial herbs like basil, coriander and parsley, as the flavour of the leaves deteriorates once the plants have flowered (this isn’t the case for shrubby herbs like rosemary and lavender).
  • When harvesting herbs for drying, pick them early in the morning as soon as they’re dry, so that they’re still filled with their essential oils.

Ornamental plants

What flowers and bulbs to plant in July

Perennials, annuals and summer-flowering bulbs are all in full bloom in July, so take some time to sit and enjoy the results of all your hard work in the garden. There are still flowers to sow and bulbs to plant though, to make sure your garden keeps on looking great throughout the year.

Sow these seeds in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill now for flowers next spring and summer:

  • Aquilegia
  • Delphiniums
  • Foxgloves
  • Wallflowers

Plant autumn bulbs now in well-drained soil or in pots, planting them at a depth of around 2 times the length of the bulb. Water them after planting. These autumn-flowering bulbs are ready for planting in July:

  • Nerines
  • Colchicums
  • Cyclamen hederifolium
  • Arum italicum ‘Marmoratum’

What flowers to prune in July

Cut back faded perennials once they’ve finished flowering to keep the garden looking tidy. They will put on fresh growth and often a second flush of flowers in late summer. Perennials to cut back in July include:

  • Hardy geraniums
  • Delphiniums
  • Lupins

Flower maintenance in July

  • Deadhead perennials regularly to encourage them to keep producing flowers.
  • Cut sweet pea flowers for the house and to stop the plants setting seed.
  • Lift overgrown clumps of bearded irises and divide them to rejuvenate the plants.
  • Spray perennial weeds like ground elder and bindweed with a glyphosate-based weedkiller now, as the plants have plenty of leaves to absorb the weedkiller. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using weedkiller, and protect surrounding plants before spraying.
Things to do this month
Open greenhouse doors and vents on hot days.
Water plants regularly during dry periods, watering in the mornings or evenings to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Water rhododendrons and camellias regularly in dry spells, as they are developing the buds for next year’s flowers now.
Keep ponds clear of weeds and topped up.
Keep feeding wild birds with suitable bird food as they rely on us for food all year.
Wild birds may be short of natural water supplies, so keep bird baths topped up.
Add waterlilies and floating aquatic plants to help provide shade and keep water cooler.
Only give your fish enough food that they can finish within a few minutes and remove any uneaten food.
Prune wisteria, cutting back the long whippy shoots to about 5 leaves from the main branches.
Deadhead repeat-flowering roses to keep the flowers coming.
Treat paths and drives with a path weedkiller to kill existing weeds and prevent new ones appearing.
If you are going away on holiday for a short period, water your houseplants well before you go and move them into a cool location away from bright sunlight to stop them drying out.
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