Jobs in the Garden: July 2025

Essential Gardening Jobs for July in the UK

July is one of the warmest and sunniest months of the year, making it a wonderful time to enjoy the garden. However, the heat and longer days also mean extra care is needed to keep plants healthy and thriving. Here are the key gardening tasks to focus on this month:

1. Watering and Irrigation

• Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.

• Prioritise watering for containers, hanging baskets, and newly planted flowers and vegetables.

• Use mulch around plants to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.

• Collect rainwater in water butts to use during dry spells.

2. Lawn Care

• Mow the lawn regularly but avoid cutting it too short to prevent drought stress.

• Water the lawn during extended dry periods to maintain its health.

• Leave some areas of grass longer to create habitat for wildlife.

3. Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead flowers such as roses, dahlias, and geraniums to encourage more blooms.

• Prune summer-flowering shrubs like philadelphus and climbing roses after flowering.

• Trim lavender after it has bloomed to maintain its shape.

4. Planting and Sowing

• Continue sowing salad crops such as lettuce, radishes, and spring onions for a fresh harvest.

• Plant autumn-flowering bulbs like colchicums and nerines.

• Start sowing biennials like wallflowers and foxgloves for next year’s display.

5. Harvesting and Feeding

• Harvest fruit and vegetables regularly, including courgettes, tomatoes, beans, and soft fruits.

• Keep feeding tomato plants with a high-potash fertiliser to promote fruiting.

• Feed container plants and hanging baskets every two weeks for continuous blooms.

6. Supporting Wildlife

• Provide fresh water for birds, bees, and other pollinators in hot weather.

• Avoid using pesticides to protect beneficial insects.

• Allow some wildflowers and seed heads to develop as a food source for wildlife.

7. General Maintenance

• Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and slugs.

• Tie in and support climbing plants as they grow.

• Check fences, trellises, and garden structures for any damage and repair if necessary.

July is a beautiful time in the garden, with plenty of flowers in bloom and fresh produce to enjoy. By staying on top of these key tasks, you’ll ensure your garden remains healthy, vibrant, and full of life throughout the summer. Happy gardening!