Last updated on December 2nd, 2011
When July’s intolerable heat and humidity arrive, I don’t force myself to do much in the garden. In fact, you will sooner find me sipping a rose-scented daiquiri than pulling weeds on a hot afternoon. Still, there are a few gardening chores that we should all try to accomplish in July. Perhaps you won’t consider them too strenuous:
Annuals. This is the time when summer annuals explode with color. Aren’t you glad you thought to plant them? To ensure continued bloom, take care to remove flowers as they fade. Cut fresh stems of zinnias, snapdragons, delphiniums and other annuals for splendid house-bouquets.
Potted Geraniums. If you want these to bloom in winter, remember to pinch flower buds off during summer.
Impatiens. Some cool morning in July, cut stems from your impatiens plants, and root them in pots of good soil. Brought indoors in September, these will bloom all winter long in the window garden.
Roses. Deadhead regularly, cutting just above a set of five leaves. It is from this point that new flowering growth will emerge.
Chrysanthemums. Pinch back tips for the last time.
Vegetables. If your lettuce, spinach, escarole or other salad greens have bolted, pull them up. Replace with a crop of carrots or onions.
Herbs. Don’t wait until autumn to harvest your herbs. Snip them now, and freeze in zip-lock bags for winter use.
How to End a Drought. Invite a number of friends over for an elaborate brunch in the garden, and make sure that the table is set with your finest linen, polished silver, and heirloom china. A sudden downpour of Biblical proportion will erupt the moment your guests are seated. (This technique has always worked for me.)
What’s on your to-do list for July?
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Samantha says
Would you believe that I STILL haven't finished planting my veggie garden? Is it too late?
Justin says
I had not thought of propagating impatiens for houseplants. Do they really bloom well in winter? Do they need full sun?
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Samantha – it is not too late to plant vegetables, particularly the heat-lovers: tomatoes, peppers of all kinds, and winter-squash.
Justin – Impatiens, in winter, will bloom respectably in any fully light window; you will get eye-popping flowers, however, if you the plant full sun. Winter sun is very weak.
Janis in Chicago says
That garden party/rain-dance has worked for me in the past, too!
Andrew Thompson says
Kevin, thanks for the great tips. I'm going to plant more winter squash. Never know what condition the economy will be in six months from now. But I'll have Acorn Squash and Butternut Squash to keep the crew afloat for awhile!
Albany Eric says
Like you, Mr. Jacobs, I intend to gaze at my garden, cocktail in hand, and survey the results of my heavy mulching and careful planting. My annuals (dwarf snap dragons, annual blue salvia, assorted geraniums, petunias and fragrant stock) have taken a beaten from multitude of rainstorms we've had. but they are fully budded and ready to explode with bloom the first few days that we have sun. It's the only way to enjoy the remainder of summer.
Marcos says
Kevin, I think you're right: freeze as many herbs as possible now, while they are at the peak of perfection. It's one less thing that will have to be done during the autumn rush.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Albany Eric – welcome! Your garden sounds wonderful! Enjoy it, and your cocktail too!
Marcos – I couldn't agree more. One less thing to do in autumn when other produce must be harvested, leaves raked up, bulbs planted, etc.
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Andrew – when fall arrives, I hope that you will post a recipe for winter squash soup. Is sherry one of the ingredients?
Yolanda says
What are my July projects? Keeping weeds out of the garden, and tying up my tomato plants to their supports. They are getting very tall, and making flowers now, despite all of the rain we've had.
BTW, is it tomatoe or tomato? Guess I'm having a “Dan Quayle moment!” Or maybe its just too early in the morning!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Yolanda – the singular is “tomato,” plural is “tomatoes.” And thanks for the reminder: I need to tie my own vines today, too!
susan says
Any chance you can make it stop raining!!! My garden is totally waterlogged! Soggy and depressed in Kinderhook!!!!!!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Dear Soggy and Depressed: I know how you feel. Perhaps this is nature's way of reminding us that we, the gardeners, are not really in charge!
Andrew Thompson says
Sherry, cream, thyme…all of these go into my winter squash soups. I'll be happy to post recipes when “the season” arrives.