Gardening in July

July’s that glorious month when, for most of us, the garden’s at its peak.  Flowers are blooming, fruit is ripening and the bees are hard at work. It’s tempting to just sit back with an iced drink and admire it all, a just reward for our hard work.  But there’s still plenty to be getting on with this month, whether you have a few pots or acres of space.   

Much of July’s jobs are similar to those we recommended for June, but here are some extra thoughts as summer gets into full swing.

Be gentle with pests

It’s easy to reach for a spray when you see green fly, lily beetle or other garden pests but do try to avoid chemicals if you can.   A little nibbling is natural – it’s all part of the ecosystem – and encouraging natural predators like ladybirds, frogs or birds is far more sustainable and pet-friendly.  If you aren’t squeamish, you can just pick them off.  If that’s not for you, try an organic solution, or even make your own.  (Our article on natural pest remedies has some great ideas and recipes!)

Compost and mulch

Homemade compost is a marvellous thing to have around as it has so many uses.  Two of these are suppressing weeds and retaining moisture in the soil.  It also saves you having to find ways of disposing of trimmings, clippings and peelings that gardening creates!  A little homemade compost spread around under plants now will mean less watering, less weeding and a boost for your soil quality.  (If you don’t have homemade compost, you can buy mulches or even use straw instead).

If you don’t already compost, you don’t need any fancy equipment and now is a great time to start.  Our article on how to make your own compost gives you all you’ll need to know.

Going to seed

Regular deadheading will keep your garden looking tidy but will also encourage more flowers in future.  Just pinch or snip off anything that’s faded and the plant is likely to respond by producing new flowers. However, do leave some flowers on the plant to go to seed.  Berries, rosehips and other seeds will provide food for birds and other wildlife through the autumn and winter – and my even give you a few free plants next year, too!  It’s a small act of kindness for your garden’s natural residents.

Harvest little and often

One of the best bits about gardening, we think, is being able to pick your own food.  No tomato tastes quite so flavoursome as a tomato you have grown yourself!  Courgettes, beans, raspberries… all are starting to ripen now. And the more you pick, the more they produce, so don’t dally.  Got a glut?  Share with neighbours (you may be able to trade for something they have a glut of!), freeze or try preserving.  Eating what you grow not only tastes better but it reduces food miles and packaging, too.

Take time to enjoy it

Amid all the jobs, remember to stop and just be in the garden. Watch the butterflies. Listen to the birdsong. That connection to nature is what makes gardening so special, is good for us and our environment, and all that’s worth protecting.

Gardening in July isn’t just about keeping up appearances, it’s about creating a thriving, living space that gives back. With a bit of mindful care, your garden can be a haven for both you and the wildlife around you.