For the Northern California gardener , July mean that summer has rightfully root in . There are systematically warm temperature , intermittent heat waves , fog for coastal gardener , and pleasant afternoons spend weeding , deadheading , troubleshooting , and admire the results of all our laborious work . July also means revel the first of the tomatoes and other tasty summer vegetables from the eatable garden !
In the edible garden
Prune the canes that have end bearing yield . There are dissimilar pruning rules for different berry , so know your variety and trim accordingly . fertilise for continued health and future bountiful harvests , side - dressing each plant with compost and a fistful of well - balanced fertiliser at the same prison term .
Begin summertime pruning of yield treesto make harvesting well-heeled and to help maintain your Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’ desire sizing . see for ants as crops set about ripen , and if needed , wrap the trunks with sticky taping or Tanglefoot to curb them . Pick up and dispose of fallen yield and foliation to avoid spreading fungus spores and to prevent an invasion of yellow jacket , white fly , slugs , snails , and other pests .
take in out for Lycopersicon esculentum pest and disease . tight monitor your tomatoes ’ watering schedule , and know that a reproducible , regular docket helps forbid blossom terminal bunk . take in for the beautiful but destructive tomato hornworm caterpillar ( Manduca quinquemaculata ) , and eradicate if notice .
Harvest your veggies on a regular basis . Summer vegetable are now arriving in increased identification number , and the first of your tomatoes are coming in . Be sure to beak squash , pole beans , black pepper , and Cucumis sativus on a regular basis to keep your plant producing for continued bounteous harvests .
In the ornamental garden
Check on fuchsias(Fuchsiaspp . and cvs . , Zones 6–11 ) in your hanging baskets and garden beds . Remove spent blooms and swollen-headed seedpod to keep them coloured and flower through August .
Cut back annuals . Bedding plants might involve a little help around now . Shear back nemesias ( Nemisiaspp . and cvs . , one-year ) , angelic alyssum ( Lobularia maritima , annual ) , lobelia ( Lobelia erinus , Zones 10–11 ) , and petunias that are looking straggly to elevate new growth and raw blooms . Feed old-hat plants with bloom fertilizer at this sentence for an extra nourishing encouragement , choosing a feed containing little to no atomic number 7 , and higher levels of phosphoric and potassium .
Create a succulent display . July is a big month to put together a succulent garden . It can be as simple as choosing three or four eye - catching succulents with contrast colors and texture and planting them in well - draining soil in a terra - cotta jackpot , or as detailed as devoting your whole landscape to these intriguing , drought - repellent , easy - attention heat lovers . Get originative and have play .
Continue to deadheadroses , and murder the exhausted flowers from your cut garden annual and perennials to ensure reinvigorated new growth , fresh bud , and more blooms .
Regarding water
Water in the first light . in all probability the most important task for those who garden in Northern California is to retard and treble check watering practice . To ensure your plants ’ optimal wellness , water early in the morning while it ’s still nerveless and before the breeze kicks up to decoct evaporation and moisture loss .
piddle more . Increase the frequency of the deep lacrimation schedule for your tree and shrub , and train that the needs of your recurrent beds and veg garden are being met adequately . correct lacrimation schedules to get by with the challenges brought about by increased temperature and occasional heat waves , paying particular attention to your container - grown plants , which tend to dry out more quickly .
Add more mulch . Add a layer of mulch to your garden beds to assist isolate the territory and the plant ’ roots against the effects of July ’s blistering , wry weather and to aid in wet conservation . Avoid redwood mulch , which can really rob your grunge of atomic number 7 as it break up . Instead , choose every bit attractive fir barque mulch , which break down step by step and attractively , enriching your filth during the process .
Houseplants may need more water . Don’t blank out to increase the H2O for your indoor plants too , and have a plan for them in place for holiday time .
— Fionuala Campion is the proprietor and manager of Cottage Gardens of Petaluma in Petaluma , California .
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After your cane berries have finished fruiting, give them some fertilizer and compost.Photo: Ann E. Stratton
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A good watering schedule can help prevent blossom end rot.Photo: Steve Aitken
The green fruit of this ‘Maiden’s Blush’ fuchsia (Fuchsia magellanicavar.molinae‘Maiden’s Blush’, Zones 7–10) can be plucked off to promote more flowering.Photo: Fionuala Campion
Succulents are fun to mix and match in containers.Photo: Fionuala Campion
Watering in the morning helps to conserve water and prevent gardeners from getting overheated.Photo: Paula Gross
A well-mulched garden has cooler soils, with fewer weeds sucking up water.Photo: Rachel Young
