As the summer sun reaches its peak, your garden is in full swing and demands some crucial attention. To ensure your outdoor space remains a lush, productive paradise, an expert gardener has revealed the five non-negotiable jobs for your July checklist.
1. Master the Art of Watering
With temperatures rising, efficient watering becomes paramount. The key is to water your plants deeply and less frequently, encouraging strong root growth. Always aim for the base of the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation. For potted plants, a daily check is essential as they dry out much faster.
2. Show Your Lawn Some Love
Your lawn might be looking a little worse for wear after all that foot traffic during summer barbecues. Now is the time to give it a boost. Regular mowing is vital, but remember the golden rule: never cut more than a third of the grass blade length at once. This helps it stay healthy and resilient against the heat.
3. The Great Harvest Begins
July is a month of abundance! Keep a keen eye on your vegetable patch and pick your produce like courgettes, beans, and raspberries while they are young and tender. Regular harvesting encourages the plants to produce more, extending your yield throughout the season.
4. Deadhead for Dazzling Displays
Don't let your flowering plants waste energy on producing seeds. By diligently deadheading spent blooms from roses, sweet peas, and other summer flowers, you'll be rewarded with a second, and sometimes even a third, spectacular flush of colour that will last well into autumn.
5. Tame the Green Giants
Fast-growing hedges and vigorous climbers like wisteria need a mid-summer trim to keep them looking neat and tidy. Pruning now allows new growth to harden off before the colder months set in, ensuring your garden's structure remains pristine.
By dedicating a little time to these five essential tasks this month, you'll set your garden up for unparalleled success, ensuring it remains the envy of the neighbourhood for the rest of the summer.
