July Garden Checklist

July is here, and soon some of your favourite winter and spring-flowering blooms will be too. Here’s what to do in your garden this month, to enjoy an abundance of happy flowers and plants dancing all around you. 

Plant out Lilium, tulips and seed potatoes

If the cooler season is your reason to get into the garden and build the spring garden of your dreams, then you have the spectacular opportunity to plant out lilies, tulips and potatoes (for the master chefs among you). 

Grow lovely lilies 

Lilies bloom from September to January and are a wonderful addition to garden beds and containers. So, get your hands on some stunning lily bulbs while they are available and enjoy a vibrant display of colourful blooms over spring and summer. Learn more about growing lilies here. 

Treat your space to tulips

Tulip deliveries for 2024 commence from the second week of July. Having been cold-treated, the bulbs can be planted in beds or pots according to planting instructions and will bloom around 10 weeks after planting. If you’re strapped for space you can consider growing them hydroponically. 

Sow seed potatoes 

Enjoy a spud-tacular harvest from your garden, and grow your own potatoes. These dearly beloved tubers are easy to grow and will reward you with a harvest that will make the perfect ingredient for your culinary masterpieces! Read our potato growing guide here. 

Mulch 

Fallen winter leaves can serve as an effortless mulch for your plants. If you prefer tidiness and tend to clear up fallen leaves, ensure your winter bulbs are covered with a layer of compost to protect them from frost, nourish the soil, and if you’re in a warmer region, to keep the soil cool. 

Feed your winter and spring-flowering bulbs

Regularly pamper your bulbs with a sprinkling of bulb food or a similar product during their growth stage and again after they flower. After flowering, the bulbs store energy for next season's blooms, so it’s crucial to continue caring for them. If you are unsure of the aftercare for any of your bulbs get in touch with petalpixies@hadeco.co.za. 

Grow microgreens in your kitchen

You don’t need a hectare of land to grow something delicious and nutritious. In fact, to grow microgreens, you don’t need much at all. These superfoods offer more than just a decorative touch to salads and other homemade meals. They are healthy and super simple to grow. In little to no time you will be harvesting handfuls of magical microgreens to add to your recipes. View the full range of microgreens here. 

Gather inspiration for your summer garden 

This month is brimming with hope as winter bulbs start to blossom. While winter and spring bulbs may currently take center stage, now is the perfect time to start planning for the summer bulbs you'd like to add to your garden this year. Explore our range here and add your email to the "notify me when available" section for any summer bulbs that catch your eye.

Cut these flowers for the vase in July 

If you grew a mass of winter and spring flowering bulbs, you may want to consider cutting stems for the vase. More cutting, leads to more blooming, after all. So don’t be afraid to bring loads of blooming beauty into your home. 

1. Anemone 
2. Daffodils
3. Ranunculus 

Consider these tips when cutting flowers for the vase: 

• Cut before the flower fully opens
• Choose a vase with the right shape and size for the flowers you are cutting
• Ensure you clean your vase beforehand 
• Make sure your secateurs or cutters are sterilised  
• Make a clean, angled cut to the stems, ensuring there are no jagged edges that could cause decay
• Remove any excess leaves from the stems, so that none fall below the waterline 
• Place the longer flowers in the vase first, then arrange the shorter flowers around the outer rim 
• Position your flowers away from direct sunlight
• Use flower food in your water for longer lasting blooms 

Lift canna, dahlia and gladiolus bulbs 

It’s the final curtain call for summer bulbs like canna, dahlia and glads. Consider lifting these bulbs, or simply cut them back and leave them in the ground if your space and climate conditions allow. 

Here’s to cultivating joy and a blooming wonderful July!