July brings long days, warm temperatures, and a garden bursting with life. Whether you're growing flowers, fruit, or vegetables, this is a rewarding but busy time of year. With a little care and attention, you can keep your garden looking its best right through to autumn. From watering tips to pruning advice, we’ve put together a handy list of essential gardening jobs to help you stay on top of things this month.
Deadheading for continued colour
Regular deadheading is key in July. Removing spent flowers from bedding plants, roses, dahlias, and perennials encourages them to produce more blooms rather than putting energy into seed production. Use Eversharp Snips or All Purpose Secateurs for accuracy and minimal damage to stems.
Water wisely
July can be hot and dry, so efficient watering is critical. Early morning or late evening watering helps prevent evaporation and avoids scorching tender leaves. Focus on the base of the plant rather than overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. A watering can with a long-reach spout allows for targeted hydration at the roots, especially in dense borders.
Regular feeding helps support strong roots, vibrant flowers, and healthy crops, especially for hungry plants like tomatoes, bedding displays, and container-grown plants. Use a balanced or high-potash liquid feed like Westland Boost All Purpose Liquid Plant Food every time you water to give you 4x more blooms, and more fruit and veg than simply watering alone! Feeding now sets the stage for a longer-lasting, more productive garden through late summer and beyond.
Support tall plants
Plants like delphiniums, sunflowers, and climbing beans may need additional support as they reach their full summer height. Use durable bamboo canes and natural jute twine to gently secure tall stems and vines.
Prune summer-flowering shrubs
Shrubs that have finished flowering, such as weigela, philadelphus (mock orange), and deutzia, benefit from a tidy-up after blooming. Remove about a third of the older wood to encourage strong new growth for next year’s flowers.
A pair of SureCut All Purpose Extra Power Loppers or Pruning Snips makes light work of thicker branches.
Harvest and enjoy
It’s harvest time for many fruits and vegetables. Courgettes, beans, raspberries, and salad leaves are often at their peak, and picking regularly encourages more to grow. Eversharp Snips are perfect for picking herbs, salad greens, beans, chillies, and other soft-stemmed produce. Their precision blades offer exceptional control, allowing you to make neat, accurate cuts right at the stem or base.
Lawn TLC
Keep your lawn looking lush by mowing regularly, but don’t cut it too short during dry spells. Consider leaving clippings on the lawn to act as a natural mulch. Edge your lawn with a half-moon lawn edger for a sharp, professional finish that frames your beds beautifully.
Keep an eye out for pests
Watch for aphids, slugs, and caterpillars. Hand-pick where possible and encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds. Check the undersides of leaves for hidden pests. Wearing gardening gloves allows you to handle the leaves, stems, and soil with confidence so you can lift, inspect, and remove pests without hesitation. Plus, it makes it easier to squash or remove bugs manually if needed, especially in organic or chemical-free gardens.
Choose a pair of gloves with a snug fit and flexible fingers for maximum feel and dexterity when inspecting delicate plants.
Don't forget your houseplants
Houseplants can feel the heat, too! Increased sunlight and warmer indoor temperatures may dry them out more quickly, so check their moisture levels regularly. Avoid placing them in direct midday sun, and keep humidity-loving plants misted or near a tray of water. Use a small indoor watering can for precision watering, and a gentle misting spray to keep foliage fresh and dust-free.
