July Gardening Tips 2025
I am writing this in something of a heatwave as we approach the end of June which probably means that the weather will have well and truly broken by the time you read this. July is a wonderful month to really enjoy your outside space whether it’s a patio or balcony or a large garden. From al fresco dining to just enjoying a cuppa I hope July is all you might wish it to be.
Watering is top of my mind at the moment. Obviously, anything in a pot or hanging basket will turn up its toes pretty quickly in dry hot conditions and will need watering regularly. Generally, however, I try to do as little watering as possible in the garden. I certainly don’t water the lawn and I tend not to water the borders if I can help it. Established plants will have their roots firmly down in the soil and if you have mulched in the spring then the soil should be as water retentive as possible. There is one exception to my minimalist approach to watering and that is anything that is relatively newly planted. So I am keeping a close eye on the few shrubs and perennials that we have put in during the spring. Fruit and vegetables also need watering in order to swell. Nobody wants a stringy wizened runner bean or a diminutive strawberry.
The best water to use to water plants is undoubtedly rain water collected in a water butt. These are a terrific relatively low cost investment and we should all have more of them. Plants prefer rain water to the treated water from our taps. I also use waste water from the house, such as washing up water, but only on ornamentals, not edibles.
Watering, whether from the sky or a can, also has the effect of washing nutrients out of pots and containers so do feed your plants. I use a liquid feed for pots at this time of year having included a granular feed when planting in pots or in the border. This is especially important for pots containing peat free composts. Feeding will promote better, healthier, freer flowering plants and help them withstand pests and diseases. Prevention is so much better than cure. Roses will also benefit hugely from a good feed once the first flush of flowers is over.
As well as keeping a watching brief on the watering and feeding don’t forget to keep on deadheading those bedding plants, roses and perennials to promote further flowering.
Do take a good look at your pond if you are lucky enough to have one, and keep the surface clear of weed and debris.
Hopefully you are also harvesting the first tomatoes in July and a host of courgettes and other vegetables – with the best yet to come in the vegetable garden.
Looking particularly good in my garden just now is Clematis ‘Shimmer’ (there are lots of other equally lovely varieties available) and roses Vanessa Bell and Claire Austin.
Hove a lovely month
Best Wishes
