Ah, July. The garden is in full swing, and everything feels like it’s finally settled into its summer rhythm. But if you’re anything like me, it can sometimes feel like you blinked and suddenly, there’s a jungle where your tidy little patch used to be.
This month, the garden is busy — blooming, growing, and maybe even throwing a few curveballs your way. It’s a time to enjoy the fruits of your labor (literally and figuratively), but it’s also when things need a little upkeep to keep them thriving.
If you’ve got raised beds brimming with veg or a few pots of herbs on the porch, July’s the month to stay ahead of the game. It’s all about watering right, tidying up, and, of course, savoring what’s coming into season.
So grab a cup of tea, step outside, and let’s take a look at what needs a little love this month. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Plant Now (If You’re in the Northern Hemisphere)
July is the perfect time to fill any gaps in the garden, whether you’re adding a few more veggies or getting some fresh herbs into the ground. The warm soil makes it an ideal moment for planting, but you don’t have to go overboard.
Here’s what you can still sow or plant now:
Tomatoes – Yes, it’s still not too late to pop these in, especially the fast-maturing varieties.
Peppers & Chillies – They love the warmth of summer.
Squash & Courgettes – These guys will catch up in no time with the sun on their backs.
Herbs – Basil, oregano, and thyme are a summer staple.
Annual flowers – A little pop of color to keep the garden looking fresh.
Top tip: If you’re running behind, no sweat! A few healthy young plants from the garden centre can quickly fill any gaps in your pots or beds. They’ll be right at home, and you won’t have to wait long for results.
Harvest or Pick
July’s when the harvest really starts to pick up pace. If you’ve been diligent, your garden will be rewarding you with the first fruits of your labor — and if not, don’t worry, there’s still plenty to pick. Even if it’s just a handful of herbs or some early salad greens, it all counts as a win.
Here’s what you might be picking now:
- Radishes – They grow so fast! Don’t let them sit too long or they’ll get tough.
- Lettuce & Salad Leaves – Keep picking regularly to keep them tender and fresh.
- Strawberries – If the birds haven’t claimed them all yet, you might be in luck!
- Herbs – Basil, mint, chives, parsley, and coriander are all ready to snip.
- Peas – Pick ‘em while they’re young and sweet.
Top tip: I like to grab a handful of herbs every time I walk through the garden. It’s a great way to stay connected with the season and add a little fresh flavor to everything from salads to drinks.
Jobs to Tackle
July’s a month when the garden’s buzzing with life, but it’s also a time when things can start to feel a little unruly if you’re not keeping up with the small jobs.
It’s tempting to just sit back and enjoy the sun, but a bit of upkeep now will save you work later on.
Here’s what I’m usually pottering away at this month:
- Watering (but not too often)
Give your plants a deep soak every few days instead of a daily sprinkle. This encourages strong, deep roots. Pots dry out quicker, so check them regularly, especially when it’s hot. - Mulch Again
Mulch helps keep moisture in and weeds out. If you haven’t done it already, now’s the time to top up. I always mulch around my courgettes and tomatoes — they really appreciate it. - Tie in Tall Growers
Beans, tomatoes, and climbing plants are really going for it now. Make sure they’re properly supported with twine or plant clips to keep them upright in the wind. - Deadhead Flowers
Deadheading keeps your flowers blooming longer. It only takes a few minutes, and it makes a big difference. Keep the garden looking fresh and tidy. - Control Weeds
Weeds are relentless in July, but if you catch them early, they won’t have time to take over. Pull them out while they’re still small and easy to remove.
Top tip: I keep a pair of snips and twine in my pocket as I wander around the garden. It means I can tie, snip, and tidy up as I go, without feeling like it’s a big job.
My Tip of the Month
July can be one of those months where the garden feels like it’s almost running on autopilot. But don’t let it fool you — a little attention goes a long way right now.
My tip this month is simple: Stay on top of your picking. The more you pick, the more the plants will produce. I’ve learned that regularly harvesting herbs, lettuces, and even courgettes not only keeps things tidy but encourages plants to keep giving. Let things go too long, and you’re left with tough, overripe veggies that just aren’t as tasty.
What’s Blooming or Buzzing
July is when the garden really starts to hum — and I’m not just talking about the bees!
The flowers are in full bloom, the pollinators are busy, and the garden’s energy feels palpable.
It’s a vibrant time to sit back and enjoy the show.
Here’s what you might be noticing in your garden this month:
- Sunflowers – These tall beauties are starting to stretch up towards the sky.
- Lavender – In full bloom, and the bees are loving it.
- Marigolds, Cosmos, and Calendula – These bright and cheerful flowers add some pop to your beds and borders.
- Foxgloves and Roses – Still going strong, adding beauty and attracting all sorts of pollinators.
- Herbs in Bloom – Chives, oregano, and thyme are starting to flower.
And with those blooms come all sorts of lovely visitors:
- Bees, Butterflies, and Hoverflies – They’re working overtime to pollinate everything in sight.
- Birds – Robins, sparrows, and maybe even a few goldfinches making an appearance.
- Frogs and Toads – Often found in shady corners, especially near mulch or water.
Top tip: Let a few of your herbs go to flower — the bees will appreciate it, and it softens the look of the garden. Plus, the more wildlife you welcome, the more balanced your garden becomes.
Inside the Veg Patch
July is when everything in the veg patch really takes off.
If your tomatoes are suddenly towering, your courgettes are spreading like wildfire, and your beans are climbing higher by the day, you’re not alone — it’s that time of year!
Here’s what you’ll want to focus on in the veg patch this month:
- Tomatoes
If you’re growing cordon (upright) tomatoes, make sure to pinch out the side shoots regularly. It helps the plant focus on fruit, not leaves. And don’t forget to feed them — once the first truss (set of flowers) appears, give them a weekly dose of liquid tomato feed. - Courgettes
Keep harvesting these little beauties while they’re still small. If you let them grow too big, they become more about size than flavor. Aim for finger-length courgettes for the best taste. - Salad Leaves
If you’ve got cut-and-come-again types, keep picking a little bit every few days to encourage fresh growth. And don’t forget to sow another round for continuous harvests through the summer. - Beans & Peas
Tie in your climbing varieties to their supports and make sure they’re getting enough water. Once your peas are ready, pick them regularly — they can turn starchy quickly if left too long. - Watch for Bolting
If the heat picks up, watch out for crops like rocket and coriander. They might bolt (flower too early) when stressed. It’s not the end of the world — pick what you can, let a few flower for the bees, and sow another round in a cooler spot.
Top tip: I never try to tame the whole veg patch in one go. I just walk around with a basket and tackle what’s shouting the loudest — whether that’s a tomato needing to be tied in or a lettuce ready to pick.
Want a Simple July Garden Checklist?
I know how easy it is for all these tasks to slip through the cracks when life gets busy — and suddenly, the garden feels like it’s got its own agenda! To help you stay on top of it all, I’ve put together a simple, no-pressure garden checklist for July.
It’s a quick guide to the basics — the things you’ll want to keep an eye on this month to ensure your garden stays healthy and happy.
Print it out, pop it on your fridge, or stick it in your garden journal for a friendly nudge when you head outside.
You’ll find it in our subscriber-only garden library, alongside a bunch of other handy printables, from herb guides to container planting plans — all designed to make your garden time as fun and stress-free as possible.
Join Our Newsletter
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This month, you’ll get the July Garden Checklist to keep you on track and inspired, plus a whole library of guides, planners, and tips to make gardening easy and enjoyable. It’s all free — just sign up and you’re in!
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- About the Author
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Tara Cunningham is the green-thumbed half of Lawnmowerfixed.com, where she shares simple, no-fuss gardening tips for time-poor homeowners.
She’s a lifelong plant lover with a soft spot for cherry tomatoes, shady corners, and low-maintenance herbs.