July in the Garden: A Time to Enjoy and Maintain

July brings long days, balmy evenings, and an explosion of colour across Scottish gardens. It’s a time to pause and enjoy the rewards of earlier work - but it’s also a month for mindful garden maintenance, keeping your space productive, healthy, and beautiful through summer and beyond.

Here’s what we’re focusing on this month, whether you’re tending a cottage garden in Fife, a wildflower meadow in the Borders, or a modern courtyard in the heart of Edinburgh.

1. Deadheading and Feeding for Extended Bloom

To keep your garden looking its best, deadhead spent flowers on roses, geraniums, delphiniums, and other summer stars. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms rather than setting seed. While you're at it, give flowering plants a boost with a high-potash liquid feed every couple of weeks.If you’re growing in containers - whether on a balcony or patio - plants need even more attention. Regular watering and feeding is essential to keep things lush.

2. Watering Wisely

Despite Scotland’s reputation for rain, dry spells in July can catch us out - especially with recent heatwaves. Water early in the morning or late evening to minimise evaporation. Prioritise newly planted shrubs and trees, veg crops, and anything in pots.

A layer of mulch (such as composted bark or well-rotted manure) can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need to water so often.

3. Harvest and Sow for a Second Crop

Gardening in Scotland means being strategic with timing. By July, early crops like lettuce, radish, broad beans, and new potatoes are ready to harvest. Clear those spaces and sow fast-maturing crops like spinach, pak choi, beetroot, and salad leaves to get a second round before autumn.

Tomatoes and courgettes should be producing regularly now. Pick them often to encourage more fruit.

4. Tidy and Train: Garden Maintenance Made Simple

Mid-summer is a great time to step back and assess your space. Prune wisteria and soft-shooting shrubs like philadelphus once they finish flowering. Keep hedges tidy (but check for nesting birds first) and tie in vigorous climbers like clematis or sweet peas. Regular weeding is a must - especially around veg beds and pathways. Consider adding ground cover plants or gravel mulches in your garden design to reduce future weeding.

5. Time to Dream and Design

July is also when many people start noticing what’s not quite working in their garden. Perhaps a shady corner is underwhelming, or a seating area needs more privacy. Take photos, jot down ideas, and consider booking a garden design consultation this summer to shape your plans for autumn or spring planting.

At Blooming Scotland, we love helping clients across the country turn their ideas into sustainable, beautiful spaces that work with Scotland’s unique climate and landscapes.

6. Inspiration from Scottish Gardens

Make time to visit other Scottish gardens this month. Whether it's a National Trust gem, a wild woodland garden, or a local open day, there’s so much to learn from seeing what thrives in different parts of the country.

Some of our favourites for July inspiration:

• Archerfield Walled Garden (East Lothian): vibrant perennials and a productive kitchen garden.

• Branklyn Garden (Perth): a haven for plant lovers with rare specimens in full bloom.

• Broadwoodside (by appointment): a masterclass in bold, structured planting.

July is about enjoying your garden while staying on top of essential garden maintenance tasks. With thoughtful care and a bit of planning, you can keep the colour and productivity going well into autumn.

If you’d like help with gardening, garden design, or seasonal care, get in touch. We’re always happy to support fellow garden lovers across Scotland - from wild growers to tidy plotters.

🌿 Looking for expert help in your garden this summer? Contact us to book a visit or consultation.📷 Don’t forget to tag us in your July garden pics! #BloomingScotland #WorkingWithNature