July Gardening Jobs: What to Plant, Grow, and Renovate This Month

July is a vibrant month in Irish gardens, with long days, warm temperatures, and flourishing plants. It's the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor space, tackle essential maintenance, and even embark on garden renovations. Whether you're sowing seeds, harvesting crops, or refreshing your garden's design, Woodie’s has you covered with this comprehensive guide to July gardening tasks.

Garden Maintenance and Cleaning in July

Maintaining your garden in July ensures it remains healthy and beautiful throughout the summer.

- Water Wisely: Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation. Focus on the base of plants to prevent fungal diseases.

- Weed Regularly: Keep on top of weeds, which compete with your plants for nutrients and water. Regular hoeing or hand-weeding is effective.

- Lawn Care: Mow your lawn regularly, but avoid cutting it too short during dry spells to prevent stress. Consider feeding your lawn with a summer fertiliser to promote lush growth.

- Deadhead Flowers: Remove spent blooms from annuals and perennials to encourage continuous flowering.

- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and slugs. Use appropriate pest control methods to protect your plants.

- Clean Hard Surfaces: Sweep and clean patios, decks, and pathways to prevent moss and algae buildup.

What to Plant in July: Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers

July offers plenty of opportunities to sow and plant for late summer and autumn harvests.

 What Vegetables to Plant in July

- Lettuce and Salad Greens: Quick-growing and perfect for successive sowing.

- Radishes: Fast-maturing and ideal for filling gaps in the vegetable bed.

- Beetroot: Sow now for a late summer harvest.

- Carrots: Late sowings can still produce a good crop.

- Kale and Spinach: Hardy greens that can be harvested into autumn.

- Spring Onions: Ideal for continuous sowing.

- Turnips: Fast-growing and can be sown throughout the summer.

What Herbs to Plant in July

- Basil: Thrives in warm weather and grows quickly.

- Coriander: Prefers cooler summer temperatures, making it suitable for the Irish climate.

- Parsley: Grows well in the cooler climate.

- Chives: Easy to grow and can be harvested as needed.

What Flowers to Plant in July

- Biennials: Sow wallflowers, foxgloves, and honesty now for blooms next spring.

- Annuals: Continue sowing fast-growing annuals like calendula and nigella for late summer colour.

- Perennials: Plant container-grown perennials to establish them before autumn.

Feeding and Caring for Your Garden

- Fertilise Regularly: Feed flowering plants and vegetables with a balanced fertiliser to support growth and productivity.

- Mulch Beds: Apply mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality.

- Support Tall Plants: Stake tall or top-heavy plants to prevent wind damage.

- Monitor for Diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of disease, such as powdery mildew or blight, and take prompt action if detected.

Pruning in July: What to Cut Back and Shape

With plants in full growth, July is a key month for light pruning and deadheading. This keeps your garden looking tidy, encourages repeat flowering, and helps maintain shape. Avoid heavy pruning during very hot spells, but don’t shy away from regular trims that support plant health and structure.

- Wisteria: Prune long, whippy shoots to encourage flowering spurs.

- Shrubs: Trim summer-flowering shrubs after they've bloomed to maintain shape.

- Hedges: Lightly trim evergreen hedges to keep them neat.

- Roses: Deadhead spent blooms and remove any diseased or damaged wood.

Garden Renovation Projects for July

July's warm, dry weather makes it an ideal time for garden renovations. Here are some ideas for a midsummer mini project:

- Install New Features: Add decking or fencing to define spaces and add structure.

- Update Planting Areas: Refresh borders with new plants or decorative stones for a clean look.

- Add Containers: Introduce pots and planters filled with vibrant flowers to patios and entrances.

- Artificial Grass: Consider artificial grass for low-maintenance green areas.

- Paint and Woodcare: Use woodcare products to protect and enhance wooden structures.

Prepare Your Garden for Late Summer with Woodie's

July is a rewarding month in the garden, offering both the fruits of your labour and the opportunity to plan ahead. Whether you're planting, pruning, or renovating, Woodie's has everything you need to make the most of your outdoor space. July is also the perfect month to sit out in the garden and enjoy all of your hard work to date, fire up the barbecue, sit back and relax. If it’s been a while, be sure to check out our guide on how to light a charcoal bbq. Be sure to check out our August gardening guide for next month's tasks.

Visit your local store or explore our lawn and garden range online for tools, plants, and expert advice.

Frequently Asked Questions – July Gardening

What vegetables can I plant in July in Ireland?
You can sow lettuce, radishes, beetroot, carrots, kale, spinach, spring onions, and turnips for late summer and autumn harvests.

Is July too late to plant flowers?
No, you can still sow fast-growing annuals and biennials like wallflowers and foxgloves for next year's blooms.

How often should I water my garden in July?
Water deeply once or twice a week, focusing on the base of plants. Adjust frequency based on weather conditions.

Can I start a garden renovation in July?
Yes, July's warm, dry weather is ideal for installing new features, updating planting areas, and painting or treating wood.

Written by

Trevor McCarthy, Woodie's Expert Horticulturist

With over three years of experience at Woodie’s, you can count on Trevor for expert advice on seasonal planting, garden care, and sustainable growing. Passionate about helping gardeners of all levels blossom, you can expect practical tips and specialist plant knowledge in every guide he writes.