What to Do in the Garden in July | UK Gardening Jobs
Discover what to do in your garden in July, including watering, lawn care, pruning, fruit and vegetables, summer maintenance, weather advice and plants to enjoy.
What to do in my garden in July
July is one of the fullest months in the UK garden. Borders are dense with growth, summer-flowering perennials are at their peak, lawns are being used heavily and fruit and vegetable crops are beginning to produce in earnest.
It is also a month when the garden can begin to show signs of stress.
Warm temperatures, prolonged dry spells, drying winds and increased use all place pressure on plants, lawns and containers. Newly planted trees, shrubs and hedges remain particularly vulnerable because their root systems are still developing.
The main priorities in July are therefore watering, deadheading, harvesting, mowing appropriately, supporting plants, controlling weeds and checking for pests and diseases.
July is also an excellent month to observe how the garden performs in summer. Which areas are too hot? Which borders lack structure? Where is privacy insufficient? Which seating areas work best? These observations can be invaluable when planning future improvements.
Top 10 tips
1. Water new planting thoroughly
Recently planted trees, hedges, shrubs and perennials should be monitored carefully.
Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone rather than repeatedly wetting only the surface.
2. Deadhead regularly
Remove faded flowers from suitable plants to improve appearance and encourage continued flowering.
Roses, bedding plants and many herbaceous perennials benefit from regular attention.
3. Raise the mower height during dry weather
Lawns can become stressed in hot or dry conditions.
Keeping the grass slightly longer helps shade the soil and reduce moisture loss.
4. Harvest fruit and vegetables frequently
Many crops are now productive.
Regular harvesting can improve quality and, in some cases, encourage continued cropping.
5. Keep containers watered
Pots, hanging baskets and raised planters can dry extremely quickly in July.
Check them daily during warm weather.
6. Prune suitable shrubs after flowering
Many shrubs that have finished their display can be pruned now where appropriate.
Always prune according to the individual species.
7. Check plant supports
Heavy summer growth and thunderstorms can cause plants to collapse.
Check supports and ties before stems are damaged.
8. Control weeds before they seed
Even during dry weather, weeds can establish quickly.
Remove them before they flower and spread seed around the garden.
9. Ventilate greenhouses
Greenhouses can overheat rapidly in July.
Provide adequate ventilation and consider shading where necessary.
10. Enjoy the garden in the evening
Long summer evenings are one of the great pleasures of July.
Take the opportunity to assess lighting, seating, scent and views as the garden transitions from day into night.
Herbaceous Perennials
July is one of the peak months for herbaceous planting.
Many borders are full of colour and movement, but dense growth requires regular maintenance.
Deadhead suitable plants to prolong flowering and improve appearance.
Plants that often benefit include:
Roses
Geraniums
Salvias
Nepeta
Delphiniums
Lupins
Heleniums
Echinacea
Rudbeckias
Where plants such as hardy geraniums or Nepeta have become untidy after flowering, cutting them back may encourage fresh foliage and sometimes a second flush of flowers.
Tall plants should be checked after heavy rain or wind.
Retie or support stems before they collapse onto neighbouring plants.
Keep weeds under control, particularly beneath dense foliage where they can be difficult to see.
Maintain mulch where necessary to help conserve moisture.
Water newly planted perennials deeply during dry weather.
Established perennials are often more resilient but can still suffer in prolonged drought.
Continue monitoring for slugs, snails and other pests, although damage may now be less concentrated than earlier in the season.
July is a critical month for newly planted trees and shrubs.
Even large specimen trees can suffer if the rootball dries out before roots establish into the surrounding soil.
Check moisture below the surface rather than relying on appearance alone.
Water deeply and thoroughly.
Pay particular attention to:
Newly planted trees
Evergreen trees and shrubs
Large-leaved plants
Plants near walls
Plants beneath roof overhangs
Trees growing in exposed positions
Continue checking tree ties and stakes.
Rapid trunk and stem growth can cause ties to become tight surprisingly quickly.
Many spring-flowering shrubs can be pruned once flowering has finished.
Examples may include:
Philadelphus
Weigela
Deutzia
Some Spiraea
Forsythia where not already pruned
Prune according to the natural habit and flowering cycle of the plant.
Remove suckers and unwanted basal growth where appropriate.
Hedges may also require trimming, but always check carefully for nesting birds before cutting.
July lawns can behave very differently depending upon rainfall.
During wet summers they may continue growing strongly, while prolonged dry weather can cause growth to slow dramatically.
Mow according to conditions rather than following a rigid schedule.
During hot or dry weather, raise the mowing height.
Longer grass protects the soil surface and helps the lawn tolerate drought.
Avoid cutting more than roughly one third of the grass height in a single mow.
July lawn jobs may include:
Regular mowing where growth continues
Raising cutting height
Edging
Spot weed control
Watering newly laid turf
Watering newly seeded areas
Repairing small damaged patches
Established lawns do not necessarily need constant watering.
During drought, grass may become brown and dormant but can recover when rainfall returns.
Avoid excessive fertiliser during very dry periods.
If irrigation is necessary, watering deeply and less frequently is generally more useful than superficial daily watering.
July is one of the main harvesting months for soft fruit.
Depending upon variety and location, crops may include:
Strawberries
Raspberries
Blackcurrants
Redcurrants
Whitecurrants
Gooseberries
Cherries
Harvest regularly and remove overripe or damaged fruit.
Protect ripening crops from birds where necessary, ensuring netting is secure and wildlife-safe.
Summer-fruiting raspberries can be managed as cropping finishes.
Once individual canes have fruited, they can be removed according to the normal pruning system, leaving healthy new canes to develop for next year.
Apples and pears may still require fruit thinning where crops are excessively crowded.
Remove damaged, diseased or badly positioned fruit where appropriate.
Water fruit trees and bushes during prolonged dry periods, particularly those planted recently.
Check plum, cherry and other stone fruit trees where summer pruning is required.
Stone fruits are generally pruned during the growing season rather than winter to reduce the risk of diseases such as silver leaf.
July is an exceptionally productive month in the vegetable garden.
Harvesting becomes just as important as sowing.
Pick crops regularly while they are at their best.
Vegetables that may be ready include:
Peas
French beans
Runner beans
Courgettes
Beetroot
Carrots
Lettuce
Radishes
Potatoes
Broad beans
Tomatoes under glass
Regularly picking courgettes and beans helps keep plants productive.
Continue succession sowing for later crops.
Possible July sowings may include:
Lettuce
Radish
Beetroot
Spring onions
Spinach
Chard
Turnips
Some oriental greens
Autumn salads
Water vegetables thoroughly during dry weather.
Plants carrying fruit or pods can require significant moisture.
Raised beds and containers often dry faster than open ground.
Tie in climbing beans and tomatoes as necessary.
Side-shoot cordon tomatoes where appropriate and continue feeding once fruits are developing.
Watch closely for pests and diseases.
Warm weather can encourage aphids, caterpillars and fungal problems.
July is an excellent month for harvesting herbs.
Many plants are producing abundant foliage and flowers.
Regular picking can encourage fresh growth.
Herbs commonly harvested now include:
Basil
Mint
Parsley
Coriander
Dill
Chives
Oregano
Thyme
Rosemary
Sage
Harvest herbs for drying during dry weather.
For many species, foliage is particularly aromatic before or around flowering.
Allow some herbs to flower if you want to support pollinating insects.
Oregano, thyme, chives and many other culinary herbs can be highly attractive to bees.
Container-grown herbs may require daily watering during hot periods.
Avoid allowing Mediterranean herbs to remain waterlogged.
Basil requires warmth but can wilt quickly if allowed to dry excessively.
Coriander may bolt rapidly in hot weather, so successive sowing can help maintain supplies of fresh leaves.
Water features require regular attention during July.
Warm weather increases evaporation and biological activity.
Check water levels frequently.
In fountains, rills and contemporary water features, relatively small drops in water level can affect pump performance.
Inspect:
Pumps
Filters
Pipework
Reservoirs
Water levels
Jets
Rills
Grilles
Lighting
Blanket weed and algae may become more noticeable.
Remove excessive growth carefully, checking material for aquatic wildlife.
Pond plants can become very vigorous.
Thin excessive growth where necessary without removing too much habitat at once.
Wildlife ponds may need topping up during prolonged dry weather.
Rainwater is preferable where practical.
Keep fountains and moving water operating efficiently, but be mindful of water use during periods of drought or restrictions.
Patios and paths are heavily used during July.
Keep them clean and safe.
Regular sweeping helps remove petals, leaves, dust and debris before they become ground into surfaces.
Check:
Porcelain paving
Natural stone
Steps
Paths
Driveways
Paving joints
Retaining walls
Garden walls
Drainage channels
Raised beds
Manhole covers
Remove weeds from joints before root systems become established.
Cut back plants encroaching onto steps and pathways.
This is particularly important around narrow routes and level changes.
During prolonged dry weather, dust and pollen can accumulate on paving and furniture.
Clean surfaces using methods appropriate to the material.
Summer thunderstorms can produce intense rainfall, so drainage remains important even during dry periods.
Keep channel drains and outlets clear.
July is also an excellent time to assess whether outdoor spaces provide sufficient shade.
A patio that works perfectly in spring may become excessively hot during midsummer.
Climbers can produce extraordinary amounts of growth during July.
Tie in new stems before they become tangled or damaged.
Check:
Pergolas
Trellis
Arches
Fences
Gates
Privacy screens
Gazebos
Garden buildings
Loosen or replace ties that are becoming restrictive.
Inspect structures supporting mature climbers because wet foliage can become extremely heavy after rainfall.
Wisteria may require summer pruning depending upon its training system.
Remove excessive long whippy growth where appropriate.
Check outdoor furniture, parasols and shade structures.
Strong summer winds can damage unsecured umbrellas and lightweight furniture.
Clean garden lighting fittings and remove foliage blocking intended beams.
Check that climbing plants are not growing into gutters, roof coverings or electrical fittings.
House plants can grow extremely quickly during July.
Warm indoor temperatures and strong light increase their demand for water.
Check compost frequently, but continue watering according to individual plant requirements.
Avoid leaving plants standing permanently in water unless the species specifically requires wet conditions.
Feed actively growing plants where appropriate.
July is also a useful month for:
Taking cuttings
Removing dead leaves
Pinching out leggy growth
Cleaning foliage
Rotating plants
Checking for pests
Strong sunlight can scorch sensitive leaves.
Move vulnerable plants back from hot south-facing windows or provide filtered light.
Spider mites can become particularly troublesome during hot, dry indoor conditions.
Check the undersides of leaves regularly.
House plants spending summer outdoors should remain in conditions appropriate to their light and temperature requirements.
July is often associated with warm, settled weather, but UK conditions can vary considerably.
Hot Weather
High temperatures can place considerable stress on plants.
Prioritise watering for newly planted trees, shrubs, hedging, containers and vegetables.
Water early in the morning or later in the day where possible.
Drought
During prolonged dry periods, focus water where it will make the greatest difference.
Established lawns and many mature plants can tolerate some temporary drought much better than recent planting.
Heavy Rain
Thunderstorms can bring very intense rainfall.
Tall herbaceous planting may collapse under the weight of water.
Check supports after storms.
Strong Sunshine
Containers and raised beds can dry extremely quickly.
Dark-coloured pots may also heat considerably in direct sun.
Wind
Warm wind can cause rapid moisture loss.
Recently planted trees and large-leaved plants may require additional watering even if temperatures are only moderate.
Plants to enjoy in July
Border and rock garden
Echinacea
Coneflowers provide distinctive daisy-like blooms and strong seed heads later in the season.
They work particularly well within prairie and naturalistic planting.
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckias begin bringing warm yellow and golden tones into summer borders.
Helenium
Heleniums produce rich yellow, orange and red flowers and are highly valuable for late-summer colour.
Salvia
Many Salvias continue flowering strongly during July.
Regular deadheading can prolong the display.
Achillea
Flat flower heads in yellow, cream, pink, red and terracotta shades provide strong horizontal contrast within mixed borders.
Agapanthus
Agapanthus begins producing striking blue or white flower heads during summer.
It works particularly well in sunny borders and containers.
Crocosmia
Strong sword-shaped foliage is followed by vivid orange, red or yellow flowers.
Penstemon
Penstemons can flower over a long period and are particularly effective in sunny, well-drained borders.
Verbena bonariensis
Tall, slender stems topped with purple flowers create height without visually blocking surrounding planting.
Phlox paniculata
Summer Phlox provides large heads of colourful, often fragrant flowers.
Trees and shrubs with foliage of interest
Foliage remains extremely important during July, particularly once some early flowers have faded.
Acer palmatum
Japanese maples continue providing refined foliage and attractive form.
Cotinus coggygria
Purple or golden leaves create strong contrast, while the characteristic smoky flower plumes may also be present.
Sambucus nigra
Dark-leaved cultivars provide dramatic colour and contrast.
Cercis canadensis
Heart-shaped foliage provides a strong architectural element.
Fatsia japonica
Large evergreen leaves are especially useful in shady and contemporary planting.
Hostas
Hostas remain excellent foliage plants for shaded areas, although leaves may require protection from slugs and snails.
Rodgersia
Large foliage provides strong structure in moisture-retentive ground.
Heuchera
Foliage colours range from bright green and amber through bronze, red and almost black.
Trees with colourful fruit
July is when developing ornamental fruits become much more noticeable.
Malus – Crab Apples
Young crab apples continue to increase in size and may begin showing hints of their eventual colour.
Sorbus – Rowan
Berry clusters become increasingly prominent and some varieties may begin changing colour.
Crataegus – Hawthorn
Developing haws become more visible amongst the foliage.
Pyracantha
Dense clusters of berries develop following the spring flowers.
Cotoneaster
Young berries gradually increase in size and will colour later in the season.
Ilex aquifolium – Holly
Developing berries become increasingly obvious on female plants following successful pollination.
Greenhouse plants in flower
The greenhouse can be extremely colourful during July, but temperature management becomes important.
Pelargoniums
Pelargoniums continue flowering strongly with regular deadheading and feeding.
Fuchsias
Fuchsias can provide abundant flowers throughout summer.
Begonias
Many Begonias are at their best during warm summer conditions.
Streptocarpus
Cape primroses provide long-lasting flowers when kept in suitable conditions.
Abutilon
Colourful hanging flowers can continue throughout summer.
Bougainvillea
Strong light and warmth encourage spectacular coloured bracts.
Orchids
Various orchid species and hybrids may be flowering depending upon their particular growing cycle.
Enjoying the Garden in July
July is one of the months when a garden should work hardest as an outdoor living space.
Patios, seating areas, paths, lighting, planting and water features are all being experienced at the same time.
Use this opportunity to look at the garden as a whole.
Consider whether seating receives the right balance of sun and shade, whether planting provides sufficient privacy and whether paths remain comfortable to use now that borders are at their fullest.
Observe the garden in the evening too.
Some flowers become more fragrant as temperatures fall, ornamental grasses respond beautifully to low light and well-positioned garden lighting can completely change the character of a space.
The practical work of July is largely about keeping growth under control and plants healthy.
Water intelligently, deadhead regularly, harvest often and deal with small problems before they become large ones.
Then make time to enjoy the garden at its summer peak.