Gardening in July: Your Easy Guide
Ah, July. The month where the heat turns your garden into a jungle and your patience into a thin, frayed thread. If you're in Georgina (growing zone 5), you know the drill. The summer sun is both a blessing and a curse, and your garden needs you more than ever. So, let's dive into what you should be doing in your garden this month.
1. Grass Cutting: Because It Just Keeps Growing
Mowing the grass in July, this year, is a weekly affair because, of course, grass just loves to grow when it’s hot and wet outside. Maybe it’s trying to make up for those bare patches that appeared in spring. So, put on your hat, lather on the sunscreen, and get to it. And yes, it will need to be done again next week. Remember to cut your grass high (3” is good) so the heat won’t burn it off!
2. Watering: The Never-Ending Task
If there’s one thing your garden needs in July, it’s water. Lots and lots of water. Yes, the rain has been helping a lot, almost too much, but don't think you don't have to water at all. Gardens and/or planters that are under your roof-line, under a gazebo or anywhere else that is covered, needs your help. Dragging hoses, setting up sprinklers, or manually watering each plant—it’s a daily ritual. Hydration is key, and not just for you. Summer heat means thirsty plants. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. If you’re feeling fancy, install a drip irrigation system. It’s like a personal butler for your plants, ensuring they get the royal treatment.
3. Fertilizing: Because Plants Get Hungry Too
Your plants are working hard, and they need their nutrients. Give your lawn and garden a mid-summer boost with some fertilizer. Remember to fertilize your annuals once a week (or if you’re on the ball, every time you water). Fertilize your perennials once or twice a month. Fertilize your shrubs and trees once a month (June, July, August). Think of it as their version of a protein shake. Just don’t overdo it, or you’ll end up with a chemical burn instead of a lush garden
4. Sharpen Those Tools to Make it Easier
Nothing says “I’m a professional gardener” like using dull tools that mash rather than cut. Grab a file, some elbow grease, and a touch of self-respect to sharpen those blades. Trust me, your plants will thank you, and you might avoid a tetanus shot. If you are not a DIY'er in tool sharping, bring them by the garden centre and we can do it for you. You won't believe how much easier your gardening tasks will be when using a sharp tool, it's a night and day difference. Your back (and all other muscles) will thank you!!
5. Hedge Trimming: Sculpting Nature’s Topiary
Time to channel your inner Edward Scissorhands. Start hedge trimming evergreens and give those unruly bushes a stylish new look. Not only will your garden look neat and tidy, but you’ll also feel like a topiary artist. If your flowering shrubs are done flowering give them a trim too (leave early spring blooming plants alone though, it's too late in the season to prune them). Evergreens and flowering shrubs actually do better, and will thank you, when they're trimmed than if you leave them be.
6. Harvesting Fruits and Vegetables: Reaping What You’ve Sown
The moment of truth. Your hard work in the garden is finally paying off with juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet berries. Harvesting is the reward for all those hours spent weeding, watering, and tending. It’s ideal to harvest first thing in the morning when all the nutrients are in the fruit/vegetable and will taste it's best, but if it’s dinner time and you want some fresh lettuce, tomatoes, beets or peppers, go for it, you’ve earned it! Literally, enjoy the fruits of your labour.
7. Pest Control: War on the Tiny Invaders
Japanese beetles, aphids, caterpillars, and slugs—oh my! These pests are out in full force in July. Time to go on the offensive. Whether you choose to handpick, use natural traps and lures, natural predators (ladybugs, praying mantis, lacewings, etc.) or eco-friendly BTK, diatomaceous earth, or insecticidal soap, make sure you keep those critters in check. Your garden depends on it. Keep an eye out for these tiny terrors. Do whatever it takes to protect your green babies. Remember, this is war, and you are the general.
8. Disease Control: Stop the Spread
Plants get sick too. Keep an eye out for signs of disease like spots, wilting, or mold. Remove infected parts and treat with a natural fungicide if necessary. You chose between ready-to-use (RTU) or a concentrate that you can mix up yourself. Either way spray early morning or late day, never in the sun and heat of the day, or if it's going to rain in the next 12 hours or so. Think of it as a trip to the doctor but without the waiting room magazines.
9. Moving Tropical Houseplants Outside: A Summer Vacation
Your tropical houseplants have been cooped up inside all winter. Give them a summer vacation by moving them outside, if you haven't already. They’ll love the fresh air and sunlight. Just remember to acclimate them gradually, or they’ll get sunburned faster than a tourist on a Caribbean cruise. Just remember to bring them back in before the first frost. Nothing says “bad plant parent” like a frozen ficus.
10. Freshen up your Annuals: For That Instant Pop of Colour
If you enjoy instant gratification (who doesn't?), and some of your annuals are getting tired of the heat and rain, now's the time to replace those annuals. Marigolds, petunias, and zinnias are begging for a spot in your garden. Think of them as the summer fling of the plant world—short-lived but oh-so-pretty. Just don’t forget to water and fertilize them, or they’ll ghost you faster than a bad Tinder date.
11. Planting Trees: Saving the Planet One Tree at a Time
Feeling like a hero? Plant a tree! Trees are great for carbon capture, which means you can pat yourself on the back for helping the environment. Opt for native species like the sugar maple, red oak, or white pine. But any tree you choose is a great choice because tress are workhorses and I don’t think anyone has ever regretted planting a tree. Sure, they take a while to grow, but think of the bragging rights you'll have in a few decades.
So there you have it, your July gardening tasks, easy, right?! Now get out there and make your garden the envy of the neighbourhood. Or at least keep it from becoming a jungle. Happy gardening!
From the vaults....
Here's a way back from Mike the Gardening Guy. In this video, Mike will show you how to sharpen a spade.