Mario Bautista
Since planting in July isn’t easy, following a few tips and tricks can help you achieve gardening success.
Beat the Heat
Before the temperatures rise mid-day, check off your gardening tasks early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Working during this time makes it less stressful for your plants and for you, too. If there’s a cloudy day in the forecast, consider that a perfect opportunity to spend time working in your garden since you won’t have to fight the sun’s rays while you tend to your plants.
Take Your Time Watering
During the dog days of summer, your plants will be more successful if you take the time to water deeply instead of short watering sessions. By watering deeply, your plants have plenty of moisture to pull from all day long instead of the water evaporating quickly.
Mulch for Moisture
Not only does mulch give your garden beds a finished and clean look, but it also helps retain moisture in the soil and keeps weeds at bay. The mulch gives your plants the best chance to thrive if you aren’t able to water your plants daily or on days the temperatures are very warm.
Feed Your Plants
In July, soil can easily become depleted of nutrients, so give your plants a boost with compost or plant food. This will give your plants the extra nutrients needed to continue growing the entire summer.
Expand Your Garden
Running out of space in your garden? Try planting in garden containers or boxes. You’ll get to pick the best spots in your yard for your plants, but you can also move the boxes in and out of the shade as needed.
Protect Young Plants
After planting, cover your garden or the newly planted rows to protect your young plants from intense sun, animals and pests.
Offer Shade
Delicate plants may wilt during intense sun, so a shady afternoon can help them thrive. Scope out some shade for these plants—shade can come from taller plants and trees works too—before planting by spending time in your garden during different points in the day. No shade? No problem: Use shade cloths for these plants if your garden lacks shade.
