From the experts at Marrazzo’s Manor Lane
As we fully delve into summer, our gardens are teeming with color, delightful fragrances, and the busy hum of pollinators. The effort and dedication we’ve put into our gardens since spring are now rewarded with lush, vibrant landscapes. While July is a month to savor the beauty we’ve nurtured, there remain some key tasks to ensure the ongoing health and splendor of our gardens throughout the rest of the season. Here at Marrazzo’s Manor Lane, we’ve assembled a list of essential mid-summer gardening tasks.
1. Highlight Hydration Summers can bring intense heat, making proper watering vital. Early morning is the optimal time to water your plants, helping to minimize evaporation and prevent the spread of diseases. A drip irrigation system could offer an efficient, water-conserving way to hydrate your plants.
2. Battle Weeds Effectively Given abundant sunlight and regular watering, weeds can proliferate swiftly if left unchecked. Regular hoeing and hand-pulling can prevent these invaders from seeding and dominating your garden. A robust layer of mulch can further inhibit weed growth and keep plant roots cool.
3. Mind Your Summer-Flowering Shrubs After your summer-flowering shrubs, like hydrangeas and spireas, have put on their show, it’s time for a thorough pruning. This encourages healthy growth and ensures a breathtaking floral display the following year.
4. Regularly Deadhead Flowers Removing spent blooms from your flowers not only keeps your garden looking tidy but also prompts the plant to channel its energy towards producing more flowers rather than seeds.
5. Practice Frequent Harvesting If you’re growing fruits and vegetables, remember that frequent harvesting keeps plants productive. From beans to zucchinis, berries to tomatoes, ensure you pick your produce as soon as it’s ripe to stimulate more growth.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Pests and Diseases Stay vigilant for pests and diseases. From Japanese beetles to powdery mildew, summer pests and diseases can quickly escalate. Whenever possible, employ environmentally friendly solutions and remember, a healthy plant is your best defense against pests and diseases.
7. Begin Planning for Fall While it may seem premature, July is the perfect time to start thinking about your fall garden. Begin by ordering fall bulbs and seeds, and consider sowing fall crops like kale and cabbage towards the month’s end.
8. Feed Your Plants Your plants are experiencing rapid growth and consuming a lot of nutrients. Help them out by applying a slow-release granular fertilizer or regular liquid feedings.
9. Take Time to Enjoy Your Garden Remember to pause and enjoy the beauty of your garden. Whether you’re unwinding with a cool drink, hosting a barbecue, or just leisurely exploring your garden, remember that gardening is as much about enjoyment as it is about work.
The team at Marrazzo’s Manor Lane is always here to support your gardening needs. Whether you need tools, plants, or expert advice, we’re ready to help your July garden blossom. Here’s to the joy of July and the delight of summer gardening in your own backyard!
