Gardening Tips for July

Gardens are in full bloom but as we approach the end of summer, there's always lots of jobs you can do to get the most out of your plants, flowers & vegetables.

Watering:

Although we usually get more than our fair share of rainfall in July, it's important to monitor moisture levels in your garden, particularly if there's a dry spell. Best time to water is early in the morning or in the evening to minimize evaporation.

WEEDING

Ireland's damp climate makes ideal growing conditions for not only plants, flowers & vegetables, but also the dreaded weeds! July is the time to stay on top of weeding as they compete with your plants for water & nutrients. We have all of the accessories to help you keep your garden weed-free. Check out all of our Garden Care products online.

Harvesting

Now is the time all of your hard work pays off and it's time to literally 'reap the rewards'. Depending on what you've planted and when, you should start to see vegetables like peas, salad leaves, broad beans, early potatoes etc ready to harvest. It's important to regularly check your vegetables so as not to miss any produce that's ready to be picked.

Pruning & Deadheading

Constant maintenance is key to keeping your garden healthy and July is a time of huge growth, so pruning overgrown shrubs or hedges is essential. Deadheading spent flowers will also help to encourage new growth for continuous blooms throughout summer. It's also a time to address any damaged or diseased branches by trimming them back.

Planting

Although July isn't generally considered an ideal month to start planting, our mild climate does suit late planting of certain vegetables & plants.

Quick-growing vegetables: Choose fast-maturing vegetables that can be harvested relatively quickly. Examples include radishes, salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula), and certain varieties of beans. Look for varieties with shorter maturation times to maximize your chances of success.

Transplants and seedlings: If you can find healthy transplants or seedlings at a local nursery or garden center, you can still plant them in July. Select plants that have been hardened off and are appropriate for the Irish climate. This can include tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and herbs.

Autumn vegetables: Consider planting vegetables that will mature in the Autumn. These can include cool-season vegetables like cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, and late-season peas. These vegetables can withstand cooler temperatures and may even benefit from them.

Perennials and biennials: July can be a good time to plant certain perennials and biennials in your garden. These plants will establish their root systems during the remaining warm months and be ready to flourish the following year.

Fertilizing

If your plants show signs of nutrient deficiency, consider applying a balanced fertilizer to replenish the soil. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as the moist climate in Ireland may already provide sufficient nutrients.

disease and Pest Control

Keep your plants & vegetables healthy by monitoring for common diseases like blight or mildew. If detected, take appropriate measures such as removing affected parts of plants or using an organic fungicide.Slugs & snails are a big problem for many Irish gardeners as they thrive in damp conditions. Protect your plants & vegetables with physical barriers or pest control methods. Make