Garden tasks in July: Your checklist for a stunning summer garden
In July, summer is in full swing and your garden is looking its best. It’s the month of long evenings, relaxing on the patio and soaking up the sun. However, that doesn’t mean we can just lie in the hammock all day. To keep your flowers looking their best, your lawn a lovely green and get the best harvest from your vegetable garden, July calls for a few specific gardening tasks.
With the right approach and our practical tips, you can ensure your garden stays in top condition, even during the hottest days of the year!
The ornamental garden: keep blooming and growing
To keep your borders looking neat, pruning shears are your best friend this month.
Remove dead flowers
The most important task in the ornamental garden right now is removing wilted flowers, a process known as ‘deadheading’. By doing this weekly with summer-flowering plants such as roses, dahlias and petunias, you prevent the plant from channelling all its energy into seed production. Instead, you encourage the plant to produce new buds and continue flowering for longer.
Summer pruning for hedges
Have your hedges had a vigorous growth spurt this spring? If so, July is the ideal time for a light summer trim. Fast-growing hedges such as cherry laurel, privet and conifers (such as Leyland cypress) are perfect for a trim now to remove any overhanging shoots and restore their neat shape.
Pruning tip from Marcel
Always trim hedges on a cloudy day! Strong sunlight can quickly scorch the freshly cut, unprotected leaves.
Nutrition and pest control
The fertiliser you applied in the spring has now worn off. As summer-flowering plants use up a lot of energy, it’s best to give your border a second (organic) feed. Also, keep an eye out for aphids; they often appear on the tips of the shoots or on the underside of the leaves. Remove them in an eco-friendly way using a strong jet of water or a mild soapy solution.
Discover all fertilisers for the ornamental garden
Keeping your lawn green on hot days
A yellow and parched lawn is every gardener’s nightmare. During summer droughts, your lawn needs special care.
- Smart watering: During dry spells, it’s better to give your lawn a good soaking once or twice a week rather than a little bit every day. This encourages the grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, making your lawn stronger. Never water in the middle of the day to prevent evaporation and scorching.
- Don’t cut the grass too short: Continue to mow the lawn once or twice a week, but set the mower to a higher setting. Longer grass casts shade over the soil and its own roots, helping to retain moisture.
- Summer fertilisation: Your lawn uses up a lot of nutrients in July. A specialised summer fertiliser helps keep your lawn resilient against heat and foot traffic.
The vegetable garden: harvesting and planning ahead
July is a real celebration in the vegetable garden: it’s one of the first major harvest months.
Harvest on time
Snack cucumbers and courgettes are best picked when they are still young and small. They are at their tastiest then, and you encourage the plant to produce new fruit straight away. Summer berries are best picked on a sunny morning, just after the dew has dried.
What can you still sow in July?
As you harvest, spaces will become available in your vegetable beds. Don’t let them go to waste! You can still sow a surprising amount in July for a delicious late harvest.
| Crop | Harvesting period | Some advice |
| Radish | In 4-6 weeks | Water regularly for a mild flavour |
| Spinach | In autumn | Choose heat-resistant varieties |
| Kale | Autumn and winter | Becomes extra sweet after first ground frost |
| Carrots | Early winter | Ensure the soil is well-drained and thin out the seedlings in good time |
View all seeds in our range
Make sure to thoroughly wet the seedbeds beforehand and provide young seedlings with sufficient shade, for example using a shade cloth, to prevent them from getting burnt in direct sunlight.
Summary
Garden maintenance in July is all about providing the right support. Remove dead flowers regularly, water sparingly but efficiently, trim your hedges neatly, and above all, enjoy the fresh flavours from your vegetable garden. Schedule these gardening tasks for the cooler morning or evening hours, so you can enjoy the summer outdoors without a care for the rest of the day!
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