Tasks to Complete in the Garden During July:
As the summer months unfold, garden enthusiasts across the UK are encouraged to focus on maintenance tasks to ensure the continued health and productivity of their gardens. Benjamin Pope and Aaron Bertelsen, renowned gardening experts, have shared their recommendations for July, emphasising the importance of watering, feeding, and pruning.
In the kitchen garden, July is an opportune time to extend the fresh pea harvest into autumn. After the first crop finishes, pull out the old plants but leave the pea sticks in place. Sow the new peas about 10 cm apart and water them well. Sowing curly leaved parsley now will ensure an overwintering supply with enhanced flavour for winter salads. To avoid flea beetle attacks and secure a good crop going into colder months, sow peppery salad leaves like rocket, mizuna, and mustard greens. Sowing fennel seeds as a summer crop reduces the risk of bolting and provides a crop for autumn and early winter.
For the flower garden, summer pruning is essential to maintain the health and appearance of trained fruit trees. Remove all upright growth and cut back new growth longer than 20 cm to five leaves. This helps keep the tree shapely and lets in light and sunshine, essential for fruit ripening. Additionally, remove any diseased wood or crowded growth that could cause rubbing and damage.
Gooseberries require a summer prune, with new growth cut back to five buds from the base of the branch. Sowing a second crop of peas in July can extend the harvest season. Fennel sown in July is less likely to bolt and will be ready to crop in autumn and early winter.
Crops in pots should be fed weekly, with liquid seaweed or tomato food suggested. Summer pruning of wisteria is necessary to tidy its appearance and neaten its growth. Potatoes growing in bags are easier to earth up and harvest.
Cleaning and tidying the inside of greenhouses, cold frames, and polytunnels is beneficial during this season. Watering is crucial in July to prevent crops from running to seed due to heat and dry soil.
Visiting garden shows and festivals can provide inspiration and new ideas for the garden. With fungal diseases currently prevalent, avoiding fungicides is recommended to preserve soil health. Listing seeds for collection is advisable as flowers begin to produce seeds.
By following these July jobs, gardeners can maintain the health and productivity of their gardens through the later growing season.
- In the kitchen garden, sowing curly leaved parsley now will ensure an overwintering supply with enhanced flavour for winter salads.
- For the flower garden, summer pruning is essential to maintain the health and appearance of trained fruit trees.
- Gooseberries require a summer prune, with new growth cut back to five buds from the base of the branch.
- Visiting garden shows and festivals can provide inspiration and new ideas for the garden, helping to boost one's home-and-garden lifestyle.
