Gardening Pro-Tips for July

Pro-Tips: July Gardening Tasks

As summer heats up in the Pacific Northwest, it’s essential to keep your garden thriving. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your garden this month for success this fall and winter.

1. Cover Soil with Mulch

Why Mulch?

Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. In the hot summer months, this can be a game-changer for your plants.

How to Mulch:

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, around your plants. Be sure to leave some space around the base of the plants to prevent rot.

Remember, mulch is not compost. There are different applications for each.

2. Erect Shade Cloth Over Tender Greens

Protect Your Greens:

Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach can suffer in the intense sun, or bolt prematurely. Using a shade cloth can help them thrive allowing you to harvest for as long as possible.

Setting Up Shade Cloth:

Choose a light, breathable cloth that provides about 30-50% shade. Drape it over hoops or stakes, ensuring it’s securely fastened to withstand summer breezes. This helps reduce heat stress and keeps your greens tender.

3. Harvest Garlic and Long-Day Onions

Perfect Timing:

Mid to late summer is the ideal time to harvest these alliums.

Harvesting Tips:

Look for yellowing leaves, which indicate readiness. Gently dig up the bulbs, being careful not to damage them. Cure them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation for a few weeks before storing them.

4. Prune Tomato Vines and Pinch Off Suckers

Boost Your Tomato Yield:

Pruning tomato plants helps improve air circulation and focus the plant’s energy on fruit production.

How to Prune:

Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves. Pinch off suckers (small shoots that grow between the main stem and branches) to encourage the plant to direct nutrients to fruit-bearing branches.

Be cautious not to over-prune; keep enough foliage to protect the fruit from sunscald and for photosynthesis.

5. Start Seeds for Fall and Winter Harvest

July is perfect for starting seeds for your fall and winter crops.
Consider planting:

Kale

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Lettuce

Starting these seeds now gives them ample time to establish before the cooler weather sets in. Use seed trays or direct sow in the garden, ensuring consistent moisture to promote germination. You should not need heat mats at this time, just a warm window or greenhouse.

6. Trellis Vining Vegetables

Support your vining vegetables like cucumbers, beans, and peas by installing trellises. Trellising has several benefits:

Increases Growing Space:
Vertical growth maximizes garden space without needing more beds.

Improves Airflow:
Reduces disease risk by keeping plants off the ground.

Easier Harvesting:
Makes picking vegetables more convenient.

Use sturdy supports, such as bamboo poles or metal frames, and secure the vines gently as they grow.

7. Water Consistently

Consistent watering is critical, especially in the dry summer months. Here’s how to keep your plants hydrated:

Water Early:
Watering in the early morning reduces evaporation and helps prevent fungal diseases.

Deep Watering:
To achieve deep watering and encourage strong root growth, water slowly for a longer time. This may be 30-90 minutes 1x per week—stop just before water begins to run or pool. This is more effective than frequent shallow watering.

Mulching:
Apply mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.

By incorporating these tasks into your garden routine, you’ll promote a healthy, productive garden even in the hottest months. Remember, consistent care and observation are key to a thriving garden.