From the experts at Bloomer’s
As we traverse the height of summer, our Jersey gardens unfold with striking colors, captivating scents, and the energetic buzz of busy pollinators. The dedication and care we’ve exerted in our gardens since the emergence of spring now blossom into luxuriant, lively landscapes. While July allows us to bask in the spectacle of our gardens, it’s also a time of important tasks to ensure our gardens maintain their radiance and vitality throughout the season. At Bloomer’s, we’ve curated a series of vital mid-summer gardening tasks tailored for Jersey gardens.
1. Watering is Paramount In Jersey’s potent summer heat, providing your plants with sufficient water is key. Aim to water your plants early in the morning to lessen evaporation and help stave off plant diseases. A drip irrigation system can offer an effective and water-saving strategy for keeping your plants hydrated.
2. Confront the Weeds The abundant sunshine and consistent watering that come with summer can lead to a swift spread of weeds if unchecked. Regular hoeing and hand-weeding can control these pesky intruders by preventing them from seeding. A generous layer of mulch can also help suppress weed growth and keep plant roots cool amid the summer heat.
3. Maintain Your Summer-Flowering Shrubs Once your summer-flowering shrubs, like hydrangeas and butterfly bushes, have shown off their beauty, they’re ready for a trim. Pruning these shrubs promotes vigorous growth and guarantees a stunning floral display in the coming year.
4. Keep Up with Deadheading Consistently removing spent blooms from your flowers not only helps preserve your garden’s appearance but also spurs the plant to put its energy towards creating more flowers instead of seeds.
5. Practice Routine Harvesting If your garden boasts a variety of fruits and vegetables, remember that regular harvesting can boost plant productivity. From beans to zucchinis, blueberries to tomatoes, ensure you pick your produce as soon as it’s ripe to encourage further growth.
6. Be Alert to Pests and Diseases Keep a watchful eye out for signs of pests and diseases. From Japanese beetles to powdery mildew, summer pests and diseases can multiply quickly if not swiftly managed. Aim to use environmentally friendly solutions whenever possible, and keep in mind, a robust plant is the best defense against pests and diseases.
7. Plan for the Fall While it may seem too soon, July is an excellent time to start preparing for your fall garden. Begin by ordering fall bulbs and seeds, and consider sowing fall crops like kale and cabbage towards the end of the month.
8. Nourish Your Plants In their rapid growth phase, plants are depleting nutrients quickly. Support them by applying a slow-release granular fertilizer or conducting regular liquid feedings.
9. Enjoy Your Garden Remember to take moments to appreciate your garden. Whether it’s unwinding with a cool drink, hosting a memorable summer barbecue, or simply taking a peaceful exploration of your garden, remember that the pleasure of gardening is just as important as the work involved.
The team at Bloomer’s is always ready to cater to your gardening needs. Whether you’re seeking tools, plants, or expert advice, we’re committed to helping your Jersey garden thrive during the delightful month of July and beyond. Here’s to the joy of July and the enchantment of summer gardening in your own special retreat!
