What to do in the garden in July?

In July, the garden is lush and productive. Long sunny days and summer temperatures allow plants to grow at a rapid pace. Harvests are in full swing, flowers are in full bloom, and fruit trees are filled with juicy fruit. However, the summer heat requires extra vigilance in terms of watering, pest control, and general maintenance. Here is a guide to maintaining your garden in July and taking full advantage of its resources.

In July, the vegetable garden is full of vegetables ready to harvest. Tomatoes, courgettes, aubergines, cucumbers and green beans are ripe and should be picked regularly to encourage continued production. Lettuce, radishes and spinach can also be harvested, and it is often possible to re-sow these fast-growing vegetables to extend the harvest into late summer. This is also a great time to start thinking about autumn vegetables. Carrots, beets, cabbages, broccoli and turnips can be sown directly in the ground, as well as leafy greens such as autumn spinach and lettuce. Vegetables planted in July will benefit from the warm soil to germinate quickly and will be ready to harvest in early autumn.

With the intense heat, watering becomes an essential task to maintain a healthy garden. It is recommended to water early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent the water from evaporating quickly under the effect of the sun. Watering at the base of the plants is recommended, as this limits foliar diseases by avoiding wetting the leaves. Mulching is a valuable technique in July. A layer of straw, wood chips, compost or dead leaves around the plants helps maintain soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering. Mulching also helps keep the soil cool and limits the growth of weeds, which can compete with crops for water and nutrients.

In July, the garden is bursting with colour thanks to the many flowers in full bloom. To extend the life of the beds and encourage new blooms, it is advisable to regularly remove faded flowers from roses, geraniums, dahlias and other annuals. This light pruning allows the plants to concentrate their energy on new growth. This is also the time to support tall plants or flowers that can be weakened by the wind or their own weight, such as dahlias or sunflowers. Effective staking keeps the plants upright and prevents the risk of breakage.

Spring-flowering shrubs can be pruned after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming too overgrown. Hedges also need special attention in July, with light pruning to maintain their shape and encourage dense foliage. Roses, on the other hand, benefit from maintenance pruning to encourage continued flowering. Removing spent flowers and lightly trimming the stems will encourage new flower production and keep the garden looking tidy.

With the heat and humidity, there are many pests that can cause damage to the garden. Aphids, red spiders and caterpillars are among the common parasites in July. Regular monitoring can detect infestations as soon as they appear. For ecological control, solutions such as diluted black soap or plant purines (nettle, horsetail) can be used to limit parasites. Slugs and snails, which are fond of young shoots, can be repelled by barriers of ash or crushed eggshells around the plants. Planting companion plants, such as nasturtiums or marigolds, can also help to keep away certain parasites and attract useful insects, such as ladybugs, which feed on aphids.

Lawns tend to suffer from the high summer heat. In July, it is advisable to mow the lawn, leaving a height of about 5 to 6 cm so that the blades of grass can better withstand the heat and retain moisture. Mowing too short exposes the roots and promotes the drying out of the lawn. It is best to limit frequent watering and opt for deep watering once a week. This allows the roots to spread deeper and withstand periods of drought.

Gardeners can also plant some summer and fall flowers to extend the blooming period in the garden. Chrysanthemums, asters and Japanese anemones, planted in July, will offer beautiful blooms from late summer through fall. Perennials can also be divided and replanted, which encourages their growth and enriches the beds.