Now that we have finished "Juneuary," it is time to enjoy summer. But that doesn't mean garden chores are over. July brings gardeners more time to sit back and smell the roses but there are still many jobs you can do to keep your garden productive and lush.
Increased heat during the day means your garden, pots, boxes, etc., need water. Try regular deep waterings to establish good root balls on the new plants you have bought, and to keep your mature trees and shrubs well hydrated so they look good next year, too. Smaller pots and hanging baskets may need daily watering in hot weather. Stick your finger into the soil and if it feels dry, water.
The best and most effective time to water is in the early morning. This gives plants a good soaking when the soil is still cool, and also allows the heat of the day to dry out the wet leaves to prevent fungal diseases. It also allows the soil to dry out before evening, when slugs and other water-loving pests come out. If your garden is soaking wet at night, it encourages these voracious pests to come out and enjoy the damp conditions.
Grass growth usually starts to slow down and you can raise the level of the blades on your mower higher, and give the grass a "longer" cut.
Now is the time to prune early-spring-flowering shrubs like lilacs, Choisya, etc. Basically any shrub that has finished blooming is able to be pruned if necessary. There are some exceptions like witch hazel (Hamamelis), which should have had its hair cut earlier in the season when its blooms are finished.
In the veggie bed, you can continue planting carrots, beets, radishes, lettuce and dill. With your salad greens, try to select a shady site, choose heat-resistant varieties and sow tiny amounts every 10 days for a continual harvest.
If your strawberry plants are finished, July is a good time to do some rejuvenation. Many strawberry plants produce well over five years, but some begin to be less prolific over time. If this is the case, you can dig out the "mother plant" (original strawberry plant), cut off the suckering baby plants from the vine, and re-plant the young plants as your new "mother plant."
July is also a good time to replenish the soil in your strawberry patch. Try digging in some well-rotted compost, or other organic matter.
Most importantly, get out and enjoy the fruits of all your hard work. Happy gardening.
