Top 10 Tasks for UK Vegetable Gardeners in July

1. Water Consistently and Deeply

July is going to be hot, with long dry spells. Water early in the morning or late evening, ensuring you water deeply at the roots rather than frequent light sprinklings. Prioritise thirsty crops like courgettes, squash and tomatoes.

2. Harvest Little and Often

Keep picking peas, beans, courgettes and cucumbers regularly to encourage continuous production. Overgrown fruits left on the plant can slow or stop new growth.

3. Feed Hungry Crops

Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins and squash are heavy feeders. Apply a high-potash liquid feed (like tomato feed) every 7-10 days to promote flowering and fruiting.

4. Sow Successions

Keep sowing fast-growing crops like salad leaves, rocket, radishes and spring onions to maintain harvests into autumn. Also sow carrots and beetroot for late crops.

5. Pinch Out Tomato Side Shoots

For cordon (indeterminate) varieties, regularly remove side shoots that develop in leaf axils to focus energy on fruit production. Also remove lower leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease.

6. Watch for Pests and Diseases

Warm, humid conditions mean aphids, caterpillars, whitefly and fungal diseases thrive. Check plants daily, remove pests by hand or use organic controls. Keep an eye out for blight on potatoes and tomatoes.

7. Weed Regularly

Weeds compete for moisture and nutrients. Hoe during dry weather to leave weeds on the surface to shrivel.

8. Thin Fruit on Trees

If you have trained fruit trees, thin apples and pears so fruits are about a hand’s breadth apart. This prevents branch damage and helps remaining fruits develop well.

9. Shade Tender Crops

If extreme heat arrives, use shade netting or fleece to protect lettuce and other leafy greens from bolting. Move pots to shadier spots if possible.

10. Plan and Prepare for Autumn Crops

It might feel early, but July is the time to start planning for autumn. Sow kale, winter cabbage and turnips to ensure you have harvests through the colder months.

Top Tip: Keep a diary. July is a bustling month in the veg garden. Record what works and where you see problems — it’ll pay dividends next year.