As summer reaches its peak in Bedford, gardens are buzzing with life. Here are some critical gardening tasks for maintaining a thriving garden towards the end of July.
- Hydration: With warmer temperatures, ensure your plants are well-watered, particularly newly planted trees and shrubs. Water early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
- Mulching: Refresh mulch around plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain soil temperature. Organic mulch also adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.
- Deadheading and Pruning: Keep your flowering plants producing by removing spent flowers, a practice known as deadheading. Prune summer-flowering shrubs after they’ve bloomed.
- Weed Control: Regular weeding is essential. Removing weeds prevents them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water.
- Pest and Disease Watch: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or disease. Early detection and treatment can prevent small problems from escalating.
- Plant Care: For vegetable gardens, continue harvesting crops regularly to encourage further production. Supplement nutrients with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer if needed.
- Plan for Fall: Late July is the time to plan and prepare for your fall garden. Start seeding fall crops like beets, carrots, and kale.
Gardening in Bedford, during late July can be a rewarding endeavor. Keeping up with these tasks will ensure that your garden remains healthy and productive throughout the summer season and into the fall.
