July is a bountiful time in the garden. All of your hard work that has been done thus far, is now rewarded with beautiful blooms and hopefully a bountiful summer veggie and fruit harvest.

July is also a time of the dreaded heat… the Dog Days of Summer has begun! The days can often be sweltering. (Find the link above on my blog about the Dog Days of Summer) It is easy to retreat inside and enjoy the air conditioning grandiose glory, and as a result, your garden may begin to suffer under the abuse of the intense sun and heat. Don’t get discouraged though! Check out the following tips and best days to garden for July.

July Best Days To Plant or Transplant:

July 6-7

July 10-12

July 15-17

July 23-26

July Best Days to Weed

July 13-14

July 18-22

July 27-28

July 31

July Garden Tips:

1. Water well- especially your containers. These will dry out very quickly! Smaller pots dry out much faster than larger ones! You may need to water these every day if rainfall is insufficient. Water them throughly from the base not from the top down.

2. Walk your garden frequently to monitor… weeds, and pests. I try to walk in my yard several times a week after dinner to evaluate any new potential problems.

3. It’s hot, but don’t forget that weeds grow in those humid summer days too! July Weed control is important to keep up and add layer of mulch to prevent future weeds from growing.

4. Deal with pests and insects in your garden quickly to prevent further damage, stop by Wilkes County Hardware to see what options you have available to keep your garden growing all summer long!

5. Deadhead flowers and apply fertilizer when necessary.

6. Remove spent spring or early summer plants and replace or replant.

7. Plan your fall garden: begin seeds indoors or in shady areas of your garden.

8. Divide irises in late July.

9. Enjoy the harvest! It’s time to gather some fresh veggies or flowers this month!