As July brings soaring temperatures and scarce rainfall, many lawns and gardens require extra attention to thrive. This month can present challenges for homeowners, from keeping plants hydrated to managing pests and weeds. With the right approach, however, gardeners can keep a lush landscape and a bountiful harvest throughout the summer. Follow this guide for the essential tasks to tackle in July for a healthy and vibrant garden.
Trees and Shrubs
The intense summer heat can stress out trees and shrubs, so give them extra attention. These tasks will help you keep them healthy:
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches to prevent them from falling during summer storms. This also minimizes the risk of pests and diseases spreading to healthy parts of the plant.
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs early in the month, then leave them alone to set buds for next year. This encourages a vibrant display of flowers the following spring.
- Avoid pruning summer and fall flowering shrubs unless they’re badly overgrown. Pruning these while in bloom can stress the plant and reduce flower production.
- Trim non-blooming hedges as needed to maintain their shape and size. Regular trimming helps keep shrubs dense and healthy.
Watering and Mulching
Water trees deeply but infrequently to encourage root growth, which helps the plants withstand drought conditions. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of trees and shrubs, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot. This extra mulch helps retain water and keeps roots cool during hot days. Check soil moisture regularly to avoid over- or under-watering.
Fertilizing and Planting
Stop fertilizing trees and shrubs and allow them to reduce their growth during the heat of summer. Continue planting and transplanting container-grown trees and shrubs, but give them extra water and shade protection if possible. When planting new trees or shrubs, consider using a slow-release fertilizer so they get gradual nutrients over time.
Perennials and Bulbs
July is a tough month for perennials and bulbs as they face the peak of summer warmth, but taking the right steps can help them stay healthy.
Pruning and Maintenance
Shear back fall-blooms such as asters and chrysanthemums until mid-month at the latest. Give bushy or leggy perennials a light cut to encourage blooming. Support vines and tall plants with trellises or stakes to prevent damage from summer storms. Monitor for signs of pests, and address any issues quickly to keep your plant healthy.
Planting and Dividing
In areas with longer summers, you may still have time to plant another round of gladiolus. Choose a sunny location and plant the bulbs deeply to protect them from heat stress. July is also an ideal time to divide and transplant Oriental poppies. Start planning for next spring by ordering spring-blooming bulbs now to stay ahead of things.
Watering and Care
Water perennials deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, to reach the roots and promote strong growth. Cut flowers in the early morning when stems are plump for the longest-lasting bouquets. You may want to stop deadheading some perennials so they have enough seeds to collect. This will also allow the plants to focus energy on root and foliage growth.
Annuals and Containers
Container plants and annuals require extra care in July to keep them blooming. Follow these steps to keep your plants looking gorgeous.
Watering and Fertilizing
Water container plants daily, or even twice a day, during hot spells to meet their high water needs. Add a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks. Water the soil, not the foliage, to prevent fungal diseases. Use self-watering containers or add water-retaining crystals to the soil mix for better moisture management.
Maintenance and Pruning
Deadhead faded blossoms regularly to encourage continuous blooming, and pinch back leggy stems to promote bushier growth and more flowers. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of stress or pests, and remove diseased or pest-infested plants quickly to prevent issues from spreading.
Planning for Fall
Start seeds for pansies and other winter annuals indoors, as this will give them a head start on fall planting. Use a seed starting mix and provide enough light to help improve germination rates and seedling health.
Lawn Care
July can be tough on lawns, but you can keep your grass lush with attentive care. Follow these practices to keep your yard looking its best through the summer.
Mowing and Watering
Continue mowing as needed, setting your mower blade to the highest setting for your lawn type. This height helps shade the soil, reducing water evaporation and weed growth. Your lawn should get at least 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of disease.
Fertilizing and Maintenance
Stop fertilizing lawns in midsummer to prevent excessive growth during hot weather. Instead, leave grass clippings on the lawn after mowing to give it a natural nutrient boost. Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts that heal quickly and reduce stress on the grass. Aerating compacted soil can also improve water and nutrient absorption.
Dealing with Heat Stress
If water is scarce, consider allowing cool-season grasses such as fescue or bluegrass to go dormant for the summer. They’ll turn green again when temperatures cool and rainfall increases. For warm-season grasses, continue regular care to keep them thriving in the heat. If brown patches appear, investigate causes such as pests, diseases, or watering issues, so you can fix the issue.
Vegetables and Herbs
July is a busy month for a vegetable garden, with harvests in full swing and preparations for fall crops beginning. Follow these steps for successful vegetable and herb gardens.
Harvesting and Maintenance
Harvest vegetables regularly to encourage them to grow more. Remove plants that have finished producing to make room for new crops. Continue weeding, watering, and monitoring for pests and diseases. Consider using organic pest control methods to minimize harm to beneficial insects and the environment.
Planting for Fall
Start seeds for cool-season fall vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and spinach. Order garlic bulbs now to have in time for fall planting. These can be transplanted into the garden in late summer for an autumn harvest. Use row covers or shade cloth to protect young seedlings from the intense summer sun.
Herb Care
Give herbs a trim and use the fresh cuttings in your cooking, or dry them for later use. For maximum flavor, harvest them just as flower buds appear. Shear back annuals like basil to encourage a second flush of growth.
Houseplants
Summer is an excellent time to give houseplants some outdoor exposure. This can invigorate them and promote healthy growth, but it requires careful management to keep them healthy.
Outdoor Care
Place houseplants in a shaded outdoor area for the summer. This exposure to natural humidity and gentle breezes can revive them. Water and fertilize regularly, as outdoor conditions may increase their needs. Gradually acclimate plants to outdoor conditions to prevent shock.
Maintenance
Re-pot houseplants that have become root-bound and trim back leggy growth to encourage bushier plants. Check for pests regularly, as outdoor exposure may introduce new insects. Clean the leaves to remove dust and improve photosynthesis.
Cleanup and Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your garden looking its best and prevents minor issues from becoming bigger problems.
Weed Control
Stay on top of weeds by pulling any that are blooming before they set seeds. Apply mulch to bare areas to suppress weed growth and conserve moisture. Consider using landscape fabric for additional weed control in garden beds.
Water Features and Wildlife
Clean filters in water features and add extra aeration to fish ponds during high temperatures. Refresh water in birdbaths and fountains regularly. Create shallow water sources for birds and butterflies to help wildlife through the hot summer months. This support helps keep a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
Garden Planning
Begin planning for fall by ordering bulbs and seeds for autumn planting. Take cuttings of your favorite annuals, perennials, and herbs for rooting or drying indoors. Document successes and challenges encountered this season to inform future gardening decisions.
