What to do in July in the garden?

July marks the peak of the garden year and your garden will now be looking its very best. All the work done, sowing, planting, weeding, pruning and so many other jobs will now be paying dividends.

There is always a lot to do in the garden, but make the most of the summer weather and long days enjoying, relaxing and entertaining friends in your heaven.

The garden is full of color and the scent of flowers such as roses and sweet peas fills the air especially at the end of the day.

Watering

Watering is probably the most important job to do in July. Do it in early morning or in the evenings when it is cooler.
Watering at these periods, will allow the moisture to penetrate the soil and be captured by the plants and will not evaporate from the surface of the soil as rapid as in the heat of the day.

Watering is the most important job to do in summer

It is very important to save water as much as we can. Here are some things you can do to save water:

• Install a water butt to be collected from guttering along the roof of the house
• Mulch your borders with organic matter when the soil is moist
• Only water plants that really need. Recently planted shrubs, trees and other plants. Ask yourself before watering a well established plant
• When you water, give the plants a good soak. It is better to water them less frequently but with a generous portion then a little water every day
• Move pot plants to sheltered places where they will consume less water
• Check if your watering system/method is leaking or leading to waste and also if it is the most appropriate to your needs

Don’t miss our list of 21 ways to save water in the garden

Take notes

During your evening walks around the garden take a notebook and write what plant combinations worked well and what needs to be changed. You can then plan to change in the following autumn or spring.

Take notes in the garden to plan future changes

You can also take notes whenever you visit a friends’ garden, or a public garden. Take some pictures also. What plants captured your attention? Maybe you will add some new plants next planting season.