Sun's out, cans out! July brings the full glory of summer to our gardens, with long sunny days and balmy evenings perfect for admiring (and maybe even tasting) your handiwork.
But with frequently high temperatures and plants working overtime to produce an abundance of flowers and fruit, your trusty watering can becomes more essential than ever for keeping your garden happy and healthy. Here's your guide to keeping everything hydrated this month.
Outdoors
July is when your garden really earns its keep, but it's arguably also when it needs you most. Early morning or evening watering sessions become part of the summer rhythm – and what better way to start or end the day?
Containers and Hanging Baskets
These are some of your neediest garden residents in July! Hanging baskets can dry out in a single hot day, so check them morning and evening. A long-reach can like The Warley Fall is your best friend here. Water until you see it running from the drainage holes, and even add a touch of liquid feed weekly to keep those hungry blooms coming.
The Veg Patch
Your homegrown heroes are working hard to produce their summer bounty and keeping them well-watered is key at this crucial stage.
- Tomatoes need consistent watering to prevent blossom end rot and split fruits. Aim for deep watering every other day.
- Courgettes and squash are incredibly thirsty – water daily during fruit production.
- Runner bean pods can fail to set when the roots are too dry. Water generously during hot, dry spells.
- Salad crops need little and often to keep leaves tender and prevent bolting.
Established Borders
Even your perennial borders will appreciate a weekly deep watering in July. Focus on newer plantings but still give established plants a good soak if they start looking sorry for themselves. Mediterranean herbs like lavender and rosemary can usually tough it out, but keep an eye on them during heatwaves. Drooping, yellowing leaves and sorry-looking blooms are all signs to look out for.
Indoors
While we're all spending more time outdoors and enjoying the gorgeous weather, don't forget about your interior jungle! July's hot sunny days and possible holiday absences (lucky you) can leave houseplants on the dry side if we're not careful.
The Dramatic Divas
Your moisture-loving tropical friends – think Boston ferns, calatheas, and peace lilies – might need watering roughly twice a week in July, and don't be too alarmed if you see them wilting. With a good soaking of liquid love, they'll typically bounce right back. Check the soil daily; if the top inch feels dry, it's time to reach for your can.
The Desert Dwellers
Even your drought-tolerant succulents and cacti might surprise you with increased thirst this month. While they still prefer to dry out between waterings, you might find yourself watering every 10 days or so. Watch for slight wrinkling of their skin – this is nature's way of saying "I'm parched!"
Holiday Care
Planning a summer getaway? Group your plants together away from direct sunlight, give them a thorough watering before you leave, and consider asking a green-fingered friend to pop in for extended trips.
Watch Out for Warning Signs:
- Wilting foliage
- Flowers dropping prematurely
- Leaves turning crispy at the edges
- Fruit dropping before it's ripe
July watering is all about adapting to whatever weather comes your way. Get to know your garden's rhythms, and you'll soon develop an instinct for what needs watering when and who gets the thirstiest. And on those long, warm evenings, there's something rather meditative about making the rounds with your watering can – it's your chance to slow down, check in with your plants, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labour.
Happy watering! Here's to a July filled with thriving plants, bountiful harvests, and that incomparable satisfaction of a well-watered garden.
