July In The Garden
July is one of the most rewarding months in Bay Area garden.
With long sunny days and warm temperatures, our gardens are bursting with color and growth. It’s also the time when consistent care makes the biggest difference. A little attention now will keep flowers blooming, vegetables producing and plants healthy through the hottest part of summer.
Planting in July
Yes, you can still plant in July. Heat-loving plants like coreopsis, lantana, salvia, Echinacea, dahlias and lavender thrive in the July heat. They also are very beneficial as they attract pollinators to your garden.
Proper watering and mulching
One of the most important July garden tasks is watering wisely. Early morning is the best time to water because it reduces evaporation and helps prevent diseases. Containers, hanging baskets and annual flowers may need water daily during heat waves, while established shrubs and trees usually benefit from slower, deeper watering less often. Adding mulch around plants helps retain moisture and keeps soil temperatures cooler while also inhibiting weed growth.
Rose Care
Roses love the summer heat … but they can also get a little stressed when we have continuous days over 90 degrees. With some care, you can still keep your roses beautiful over the summer, and McDonnell’s will be hosting our annual Summer Rose Care Workshop on Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m. A rose expert from the East Bay Rose Society will review the best ways to care for your roses during the summer. Enjoy 20% off your purchase of shrub and tree roses for attending the workshop. This is always a very popular workshop. Email info@mcdonnellnursery.com or call 925.254.3713 to reserve a seat.
Enjoy the fruits of your garden
Your vegetable gardens should be thriving this month. Tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers, beans and herbs are producing heavily now. Harvest vegetables regularly to encourage continued production. Herbs such as basil, mint and oregano should be trimmed frequently to keep them full and productive.
General maintenance
Deadheading spent blooms on annuals and perennials encourages continued flowering and keeps plants looking fresh. If plants begin looking tired, a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer can help rejuvenate growth and blooms.
Lawns may begin to show stress during hot weather. It helps to raise your mower blades slightly to help grass retain moisture and avoid cutting too short during heat spells. If parts of the lawn are struggling, resist the urge to overwater. Brown patches are often temporary during summer heat.
Final thoughts
Enjoy your garden and our warm summer nights. Admire your hard work and sit back and relax.
Your hometown third-generation McDonnell Nursery knows the area and what to plant, prune or feed. Stop by at 196 Moraga Way, Orinda, call 925.254.3713 or email info@mcdonnellnursery.com.