The Joy of July: Essential Gardening Tasks for Mid-Summer in New England

From the experts at Cole Gardens

In the heart of the New England summer, our gardens burst with color, fragrance, and the buzz of diligent pollinators. The seeds we planted in spring have blossomed into a full and lush landscape. While July is a time for basking in the fruits of our efforts, there are still a few important tasks to undertake to keep our gardens healthy and vibrant for the remaining summer months. Here at Cole Gardens, we’ve compiled a checklist of key mid-summer gardening tasks.

1. Prioritize Hydration New England summers can be warm, and periods of dryness make proper watering essential. The best time to water your plants is early in the morning, as this reduces evaporation and helps prevent the spread of disease. Consider a drip irrigation system for a more effective and water-conserving way of keeping your plants hydrated.

2. Stay Ahead of Weeds With ample sunlight and increased watering, weeds can quickly spread if not controlled. Regular hoeing and hand-weeding prevent them from setting seeds and overrunning the garden. A generous layer of mulch can also help inhibit weed growth and keep plant roots cool.

3. Prune Summer-Blooming Shrubs After your summer-flowering shrubs such as hydrangeas and spireas have bloomed, prune them. This stimulates healthy growth and assures an abundant flower display next year.

4. Deadhead Flowers Regularly remove spent blooms from your flowers. Not only does this keep your garden looking tidy, but it also encourages the plant to invest its energy into producing more flowers rather than seeds.

5. Harvest Regularly For those growing fruits and vegetables, frequent harvesting keeps plants productive. From beans to zucchinis, berries to tomatoes, pick your produce as soon as it’s ripe to encourage more growth.

6. Monitor for Pests and Diseases Stay vigilant about pests and diseases. From Japanese beetles to powdery mildew, summer pests and diseases can rapidly take hold. Use eco-friendly solutions whenever possible, and remember that a healthy plant is the best defense against pests and diseases.

7. Start Planning for Fall Though it might seem early, July is an ideal time to begin planning for your fall garden. Start ordering fall bulbs and seeds, and consider sowing fall crops like kale and cabbage towards the end of the month.

8. Feed Your Plants Your plants are growing quickly and consuming lots of nutrients. Support them by applying a slow-release granular fertilizer or regular liquid feedings.

9. Take Time to Enjoy Your Garden Ensure you take a moment to relax and enjoy the beauty of your garden. Whether it’s enjoying a cool beverage on your patio, hosting a barbecue, or simply meandering around your blooming plants, remember that gardening is as much about joy as it is about work.

Here at Cole Gardens, our team is always ready to assist with all your gardening needs. Whether it’s tools, plants, or expert advice, we’ve got you covered. Here’s to the joy of July and the pleasures of summer gardening in New England!