Mid-Summer Gardening Checklist: What to Do in July

July is calling us to soak in the warmth and beauty of the outdoors. It's a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying leisurely BBQs, and lounging in the wonders of nature. The long, sunny days and balmy evenings provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities, from picnics to garden parties, making it a cherished month for outdoor enthusiasts. Amidst all these joyous gatherings, July also stands out as a prime time for Gardening.

Summer is the perfect time to dive deeper into gardening, whether you're experienced or a newcomer. It's a season to celebrate the peak of growth by actively engaging with our gardens to enhance their beauty and productivity. In July, let's focus on essential care to leverage the abundant sunlight, transforming our spaces into lush, thriving oases. This month is about nurturing plants that bring joy, from blooming flowers and homegrown vegetables to creating serene retreats, encouraging us to cultivate happiness and vitality in our outdoor spaces.

From watering and mulching to pest control and harvesting, there are numerous tasks that, when done right, can make a significant difference. By dedicating time to these essential gardening practices, we ensure the health and growth of our plants. Remember, there's no such thing as 'bad gardening'—everyone has their preferences and ways of doing things, and that's completely fine. Beginner gardeners may approach things differently from experts, but that's where we come in—to simplify and make gardening accessible to all. Gardening should be enjoyable and not overly serious. Embrace the warmth, the growth, and the life that July brings to your garden!

Calling All Fruit and Veggie Lovers

By July, the garden will start to show the rewards of the work put in earlier in the year. It’s the point where sowing turns into reaping, and meals begin to reflect your time outdoors. Courgettes are ripening quickly now and benefit from regular harvesting. Picking them while they’re still small—around 10cm long for most varieties—not only gives you tender, flavourful veg but also encourages the plant to keep producing.

Tomato plants, particularly cordon types, will be thriving. To support their healthy growth and fruiting, gently remove the side shoots that sprout between the stem and main branches. These can be discarded—or, if you’re feeling thrifty, you can root them in water or compost and grow new plants.

Soft fruits like strawberries and raspberries are coming into their own this month. Gather them for homemade jams or summer desserts—a pavlova topped with strawberries or a tangy raspberry coulis drizzled over cheesecake makes the most of your harvest. In the fruit garden, it’s also a good time to thin out clusters on trees such as apples, plums, pears, and peaches. Removing some of the developing fruit helps direct the tree’s energy into producing fewer, but better quality, fruits.

And just because it's summer doesn’t mean it’s too late to sow. In fact, this is a fantastic time to plan ahead. Sowing fast-growing crops like radishes, salad leaves, turnips, and pak choi now can ensure a steady supply of fresh produce into autumn. If you’re thinking even further ahead, winter veg like kale and spring cabbages can also go in this month to provide nutritious food when the temperatures drop.

Flower Power in Full Swing

Flowers are in their glory, and July is all about helping them flourish. If you haven’t already, now is the time to sow biennials like foxgloves, honesty, and sweet William. Though they won’t flower until next year, establishing them now gives them a head start and ensures a stunning spring and summer display.

Sweet peas are loving the long days, and regular picking is essential. The more you harvest their fragrant blooms, the more they’ll give you in return. Whether you’re filling your home with jars of sweet-smelling stems or handing them to a neighbour, this little task pays off beautifully.

Keep an eye on your beds and borders and deadhead where necessary. Removing spent flowers not only keeps things tidy but encourages your plants to continue blooming into late summer. It’s also a good idea to keep feeding container plants with a high-potash fertiliser to encourage flowering and fruiting.

Lawn Care in July

Lawns may be lush right now, but July’s heat can take its toll if you’re not careful. Light, frequent mowing helps maintain a healthy appearance, and it’s worth raising your mower blades to avoid scalping the grass during dry spells. If your lawn is prone to drying out, leaving the clippings on the grass can help return nutrients and retain moisture—a natural mulch that also saves on effort.

Consistent watering is key, and the general rule is around 25mm per week, ideally spread out over a few days. Watering early in the morning or in the evening is best to reduce evaporation. If we’ve had a wet spell, avoid mowing wet grass as it can compact the soil and lead to fungal issues. Instead, wait until the surface has dried slightly, and take the opportunity to clear away any debris to improve airflow. Now’s also a great time to aerate the lawn, especially if your soil is heavy or prone to waterlogging, and keep an eye out for weeds, which can spread quickly in the warmth.

Mastering the Art of Watering

During the height of summer, staying on top of watering can feel like a full-time job—but it’s one of the most important tasks this month. Newly planted seedlings and young plants are particularly vulnerable to drying out, so try to water them daily, using a gentle spray to avoid disturbing the soil. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can encourage fungal diseases and pests, especially in hot weather.

Instead, aim water directly at the base of the plant. Creating small channels or wells around the base can help water soak in rather than run off. Mulching is also a gardener’s best friend—whether it’s bark, compost, or grass clippings, it helps lock in moisture, suppress weeds, and nourish the soil.

Make gardening easier with an automatic watering system

If you’re finding watering time-consuming or simply want to reduce your water usage, this could be the moment to install an automatic irrigation system. Whether you’re using a simple soaker hose or a full drip irrigation setup, automated watering helps you target the roots efficiently and conserve water—especially important with hosepipe bans becoming more common in the UK.

Not only does this support a more sustainable way of gardening, but it also frees up time for you to enjoy your garden without worrying about whether everything’s been watered. It’s a win-win for gardeners and the planet alike.

Final thoughts:

July is an amazing season for all the garden enthusiasts out there! Take joy in seeing the results of your hard work, and don't forget to keep yourself well-hydrated as you enjoy the sunshine. Remember to care for your garden and its wildlife. Happy gardening!