🌻 What to Plant
in July
July is the hottest month of the year and the garden is at its peak. Harvest summer vegetables, fruit and herbs. Water generously — in heatwaves, up to twice daily. This is also a good time to dry herbs for winter stores.
🌿 Plant outdoors
July sowing is mainly for autumn crops. Most planting is complete — the focus shifts to harvesting and maintaining.
Direct sow for autumn harvest
Sow directly for a September–October harvest. Fast-growing — 6–8 weeks from sowing to harvest. Water well to establish in summer heat.
💧 Water and care for
Watering is the priority task in July. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent shallow watering — it encourages deeper root growth.
Water in the morning and feed every 2 weeks. Remove side shoots weekly. As plants grow taller, add additional support ties.
Water regularly and support heavy branches with stakes. Peppers are producing flowers and setting fruit in July.
Water generously. Limit to 2–3 fruit per plant for good-sized pumpkins. Remove any extras when they are small.
Water in dry spells and support heavy fruit-laden branches with props. The "June drop" of excess fruit has now passed.
Water deeply, feed and spray against black spot and aphids. Deadhead regularly to encourage repeat flowering.
Water generously in July heat — brown patches in thujas mean drought stress. Established hedges still need watering in prolonged dry spells.
🧺 Main July harvests
July is the peak harvest month — the garden is producing more than you can keep up with!
Harvest when lower leaves yellow. Dry in a warm airy place for 2–3 weeks. Plait into strings for storage.
Harvest when stems fall over. Dry on a rack in sun for 2 weeks before storing in a cool, dry, dark place.
Harvest young cucumbers regularly — leaving them to grow large reduces the plant's productivity. Check daily.
Harvest when 15–20 cm long. Check every 2 days — courgettes turn into marrows overnight! Regular harvesting keeps plants productive.
Peak raspberry harvest in July. Pick every 2–3 days. Remove old fruited canes after harvest to make way for next year's growth.
Harvest ripe apricots — do not delay! They soften and fall quickly. Process immediately: jam, compote or dry them.
Dig early potato varieties when plants begin to flower. New potatoes do not store — eat them fresh!
Harvest lavender flowers when half-open. Dry in small bundles in a warm, airy, shaded place.
💡 July gardening tips
- ✓Water deeply — less frequent, more thorough watering is better
- ✓Dry herbs for winter stores — best harvested just before flowering
- ✓Harvest in the early morning when crops are freshest and coolest
- ✓Sow a late kohlrabi batch for autumn harvest
⚠️ Common July mistakes
- ✗Insufficient watering in hot weather — plants wilt and yield drops
- ✗Not shading plants during extreme heat (above 35°C)
- ✗Forgetting summer pruning of fruit trees
Frequently asked questions
When should I harvest garlic in Czech Republic? ▼
Harvest garlic in July when the lower leaves begin to turn yellow and fall over. Dig carefully to avoid damaging the bulbs. Lay garlic on a rack in a warm, airy place to dry for 2–3 weeks. Once fully dry, it can be stored in a cool dry place for months.
How often should I water in July heatwaves? ▼
In July heatwaves, water deeply rather than little and often. Water in the early morning and evening — never at midday. Mulching beds with straw or grass clippings dramatically reduces water loss. Tomatoes, cucumbers and courgettes may need water twice daily in extreme heat above 35°C.
What can I sow in July for an autumn harvest? ▼
Sow an autumn batch of kohlrabi in July for harvest in September–October. It is also a good time to sow lettuce and spinach in a shaded spot for autumn — they germinate better in the warmth of July but need shade to avoid bolting.
When should I harvest and dry herbs? ▼
Harvest herbs for drying in July, just before they come into full flower — this is when the essential oil content is highest. Cut in the morning after the dew has dried. Tie in small bundles and hang upside down in a warm, airy, shaded place. Lavender, thyme, mint and oregano dry well this way.
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