Allotment & Gardening in July: Maintenance and Maturity

July brings long, warm days and the peak of summer growth. Your allotment or garden is likely bursting with life, lush foliage, swelling fruits, and the hum of pollinators busy at work. But while the rewards are tangible, July is a month where staying on top of maintenance is key to making the most of all your earlier efforts.

Allotment Tasks to Tackle in July

Consistency is crucial now. Watering should be deep and regular, especially during dry spells. Prioritise crops in containers and thirsty plants like cucumbers, tomatoes, and courgettes. Water either early in the morning or in the evening to minimise evaporation and help plants absorb moisture efficiently.

Weeding is ongoing, don’t let fast-growing weeds compete with your crops for space and nutrients. Keep tying in climbing crops like beans and tomatoes, and continue pinching out side shoots on cordon tomatoes. Feed fruiting plants weekly with a high-potash feed to support strong yields.

Keep an eye out for signs of blight, mildew, and aphids, particularly in warm, humid conditions. Remove affected leaves promptly and encourage natural predators like ladybirds where possible.

What to Grow and Harvest

Harvesting is in full swing now. Enjoy fresh pickings of tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, runner beans, carrots, beetroot, salads, and new potatoes. Strawberries may be slowing down, but raspberries, blueberries, and gooseberries are stepping up. Herbs like basil, parsley, and coriander will be abundant with regular picking.

Still time to sow: salads, radish, kohlrabi, chard, spring onions, and dwarf French beans. For autumn and winter, start brassicas like kale and purple sprouting broccoli, and think about sowing overwintering carrots and turnips.

Planning Ahead

July is a great month to start preparing for late summer and early autumn planting. If garlic or onions have been lifted, clear and enrich the space with compost for another round of quick crops or hardy winter veg.

Start collecting seeds from early-flowering plants to save for next year. Keep an eye on fruit trees, thin apples and pears if needed, and net soft fruits to protect them from hungry birds.

Final Thought

In July, your garden is in its prime, but it needs you to stay present. A little effort each day pays dividends in flavour, fragrance, and fulfilment. Whether you’re picking sweet tomatoes straight from the vine or enjoying a quiet moment in the shade, take pride in what your space has become.

Here’s to a productive and peaceful July on the plot!

Recommended Video

 Looking for ideas on what to sow in July? Our friends from GrowVeg talk you through what to plant this month. Dont forget to give them a like and follow!