This month is one of the busiest and most rewarding times in the garden. With flowers in full bloom, vegetables growing quickly and plenty of sunshine, there's lots to enjoy outdoors. If you're looking for something to focus on this month, here are my top three gardening jobs for July.
Feed your tomato plants
If you're growing tomatoes, now is a great time to give them a bit of extra attention. Feed your plants regularly with a specialist tomato feed, such as Tomorite, to help produce plenty of flowers and fruits.
As your plants grow, keep an eye out for side shoots. These are the little shoots that appear between a leaf and the main stem. You'll want to pinch these out with your fingers to help the plant put all of its energy into producing larger, more delicious fruits.
Sow fast-growing vegetables in July
There's still plenty of time to sow seeds in July. Fast-growing vegetables such as carrots and radishes can be sown now for delicious harvests later in the season. I like to sow little and often, rather than all at once, so I can enjoy a steady supply of fresh, homegrown treats over the coming weeks.
If you've got a warm greenhouse, sunny patio or windowsill you can also pick up some fruiting veg plants like aubergine, chilli, tomatoes and peppers at your local centre to plant now.
Keep weeds under control
Weeds compete with your plants for sunlight, nutrients and water, so it's really important to stay on top of them this month.
Choose a dry, sunny day and lightly hoe over your borders. Leaving the weeds on the soil surface allows the sunshine to dry them out, helping to stop them from regrowing. It's a quick and easy job that keeps your borders looking tidy and gives your plants the best chance to flourish throughout summer.
Gardening jobs to do before you go on holiday
Going on holiday soon? Don’t forget to do these three jobs to ensure your plants and garden continue to flourish while you’re away.
Deadhead repeat flowering plants before you go including flowers that are fully open so you come home to fresh blooms.
Water & feed potted plants putting them in saucers to collect water and grouping them together in a shadier part of the garden to prevent them from drying out too quickly.
Mow the lawn to encourage good growth & keep the weeds down but don’t cut it too short as it will be more susceptible to drought.
