July - this is what you can sow and cultivate

In July, both the air and the soil are warm in most parts of the country, and you can sow and plant most things this month, except for plants that require cold to germinate and plants that take so long to develop that they need to be pre-cultivated earlier in the year.

In July, you can also sow many of the early spring plants again, so that you can harvest again in a while. For example, try mustard greens, dill and Asian vegetables, they grow quickly and extend the harvest.

Fast-growing summer flowers are still good to sow outdoors in July. And you can also think about next summer now, by sowing perennials and biennials.

Also read:

• Perennials in beds and pots - planting and care

If you have sown and pre-cultivated plants indoors, they can be planted out in the soil gradually as you harvest and create space. Perhaps you have small plants of broccoli, beets, kale, or turnips waiting to be planted outside?

July is also a great month to get more plants from the ones you already have. For example, you can divide your strawberry plants and take cuttings from other plants you want to have more of.

Some early vegetables, berries and spices will be ready for harvest in July. In the warmest parts of the country, even garlic can be ready by the end of the month. Now you can build up a stock for the fall and winter, while also taking care to fill the gaps that arise when you harvest.

Some herb plants benefit from being cut regularly, so that they do not flower. If they do manage to flower, they tend to lose some of their flavor. Different herb plants are harvested in different ways. Basil will grow larger and bushier if you cut off the tops just above a pair of leaves, because then two new shoots will grow where there was only one before. Rosemary, on the other hand, should instead be harvested from the bottom. Find out how you should harvest from the plants you have chosen, so you can increase your yield in the long run. Feel free to check our plant guides for good advice.

If you live in a warm part of the country, or grow in a greenhouse, you may be lucky enough to have ready-made tomatoes already in July. Remember that tall tomato varieties need to be pinched, which means you pick off the small shoots that grow in the folds of the branches. These shoots steal unnecessary energy from the plants.

Also read:

• This is how you store what you have grown

In July you can pick lots of lovely bouquets. Many flowering plants, such as marigolds, dahlias and pansies, often produce new flowers if you pinch off the old ones or prune the entire plant. This also applies to many flowering perennials, such as ornamental catnip, cranesbill, bluebells and lavender.

Also read:

• Deadheading - the method that makes the flowers bloom again

July can be a hot and dry month, so water regularly and continue to feed plants that need it, such as tomatoes, chilies and cucumbers. Feel free to place grass clippings from your lawn around the plants, it adds nutrients and protects the plants from drying out.

Also read:

• Use grass clippings to improve the garden

The summer holiday is definitely July, so enjoy the harvest and all the greenery, spend time among the flowers in the garden and take the opportunity to just be in the moment!

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• Tips and tricks - Grow your own