July is a glorious month in the garden. With long daylight hours, warm temperatures and a riot of colour, this is when outdoor spaces truly come into their own. But to keep everything looking its best — and to make the most of time outside — it’s worth knowing what to prioritise, what to plant, and which tools or accessories will make the job easier

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply want to enjoy more relaxing moments outdoors, here are our top tips and recommendations for the month ahead.

1. Water Wisely

Why it matters: July often brings dry spells, so your garden will need extra hydration to thrive. But how you water is just as important as how often.

Practical Tips:

– Water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation and prevent leaf scorch.
– Water deeply rather than little and often — this encourages deeper roots and helps plants withstand dry spells.
– Mulch around plants with 5–8cm of bark, compost or straw to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
– Water deeply but infrequently, ideally in the early morning or late evening.
– Edge the lawn for a clean, defined look — it makes a surprisingly big visual impact.

Recommendations:

– Soaker hoses or drip irrigation kits provide slow, targeted watering — ideal if you’re heading off on holiday.
– Rainwater butts are a sustainable way to collect water — and rainwater is better for your plants than tap water.

Where to look in-store: Browse our Gardena irrigation range in the Top Shop, just before the outdoor plant area.

2. Deadheading & Pruning

Why it matters: Removing spent flowers encourages more blooms and prevents plants from going to seed.

Practical Tips:

– Regularly deadhead roses, dahlias, cosmos and sweet peas.
– Cut back hardy geraniums and perennials that have finished flowering to encourage a second flush.
– Prune early summer-flowering shrubs once they’ve finished blooming.

Recommendations:

– Try out ergonomic secateurs before buying — Darlac even make left-handed versions.
– Felco Secateurs are a favourite among professionals. If you’re after something more affordable, we recommend Darlac — high-quality tools with replaceable parts and a lifetime guarantee.

Where to look in-store: We stock Felco, Darlac, and Wilkinson Sword tools.

3. Feed Flowers and Fruits

Why it matters:Many plants benefit from an extra boost in mid-summer to prolong flowering or fruiting.

Practical Tips:

– Use a high-potash feed (such as tomato fertiliser) for flowers and veg.
– Feed roses every two weeks with a rose-specific feed.
– Apply slow-release pellets to containers and hanging baskets.
– Liquid feeds are best for peat-free compost, which absorbs them more effectively than granular types.

Recommendations:

– Liquid seaweed fertiliser is a great all-round, environmentally friendly option.
– Tomorite is a firm favourite — great for tomatoes but just as effective for flowers and baskets.

4. Sow for Late Harvests

Why it matters: July isn’t too late — there’s still plenty you can sow for late summer or autumn harvests.

What to sow now:

– Quick crops: lettuce, rocket, radish, beetroot and spring onions.
– Autumn greens: kale, chard and spinach.
– Herbs: coriander, parsley and dill (partial shade works best in summer).

Recommendations:

– Raised beds or deep planters make sowing and harvesting easier.

5. Lawn Care

Why it matters: Lawns can suffer in hot, dry weather — and under the weight of summer fun.

Tips:

– Raise the blades on your mower — longer grass holds moisture better.
– Water deeply once or twice a week rather than lightly every day.
– Avoid feeding during dry spells unless you can water well afterwards.

Recommendations:

– Aeration helps water reach roots and prevents compaction — use a garden fork or aerator tool.

6. Make Space to Relax

Why it matters: Your garden should be a place to unwind, not just a to-do list.

Tips:

– Add a shaded seating area with a parasol, pergola or sail.
– Use solar lights, lanterns or a fire pit to extend your evenings outdoors.

Recommendations:

– Choose comfortable garden furniture — and don’t forget covers to protect it.
– Add solar lighting for a low-maintenance touch of magic.

7. Support Pollinators and Wildlife

Why it matters: Bees, butterflies and birds need extra support during hot weather.

Tips:

– Grow pollinator-friendly flowers like lavender, echinacea, scabious and salvia.
– Leave a wild patch — nettles and brambles support insects.
– Put out shallow dishes of water for birds and hedgehogs (add pebbles for safety).

Recommendations:

• Bee hotels and insect houses make great additions. We sell a range in our bird and wildlife section — or you can make your own!

8. Keep an Eye on Pests

Why it matters: Pests and fungal issues can become more common in warm, humid weather.

Tips:

– Check plants regularly — early action is key.
– Encourage natural predators like ladybirds and hoverflies. Flowers such as marigolds, cosmos, calendula, and zinnias will attract them.
– Use garlic sprays or beer traps for slugs, or explore natural pest control options in-store.

Recommendations:

– Copper tape and wool pellets offer organic protection for slug-prone areas.

9. July Garden Checklist

Here’s a quick reminder of what to stay on top of this month:

✅ Deadhead and prune regularly
✅ Water deeply in the morning or evening
✅ Feed flowering plants and fruiting veg
✅ Sow crops for a second harvest
✅ Raise your mower blades and aerate the lawn
✅ Set up seating and lighting to enjoy the evenings
✅ Leave water and wild corners for wildlife
✅ Stay on top of pests and diseases

Final Thoughts

With a little planning and a few well-chosen products, you can keep your garden blooming beautifully right through July — and enjoy every minute of it.

Whether you’re picking fresh herbs, watching the bees at work, or enjoying a peaceful cuppa in the shade, your garden offers space to relax, recharge and reconnect with nature. So keep watering, pruning, sowing — and don’t forget to enjoy the view.

We’re thrilled to announce that our Ice Cream Shed is now open for the summer season, just in time for those sunny days!

You’ll find the Ice Cream Shed right outside our Car Park Café, serving up ten delicious flavours in cones, including a vegan option, as well as a selection of chilled soft drinks. Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla, fruity sorbet, or something a little more indulgent, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Award-Winning Ice Cream from the West Country

We’re proud to serve Styles Farmhouse Ice Cream, a luxury, award-winning brand handmade in West Somerset. Established in 1988, Styles uses whole Jersey cow’s milk from Westcott Farm in Tiverton, along with West Country double and clotted cream, to create its rich and creamy recipes.

The team now produces its ice cream at a new, state-of-the-art processing facility powered by solar energy at Wibble Business Park in South Somerset. They were named South West Producer of the Year at the Taste of the West Awards, and once you’ve tried a scoop, you’ll understand why.

Flavours to Tempt Every Taste

Here’s what you’ll find on offer at our Ice Cream Shed:

Sorbet

– Passion fruit
– Lemon

Vegan Option

– Vanilla

Dairy Ice Creams

– Raspberries and cream
– Blackberry and double cream
– Mangoes and cream
– Stem ginger
– Clotted cream
– Mint choc chip
– Chocolate
– Real strawberry
– Honeycomb
– Cappuccino coffee

When to Visit

Planning a visit? Make it extra special with an ice cream treat while you browse the plants, pick up garden essentials, or simply enjoy a relaxed day out.

The Ice Cream Shed is open from 11.00am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday and 11.00am to 3.30pm on Sundays.

So pop by, cool down, and treat yourself (or the family) to a scoop or two. Because no trip to St Bridget is complete without ice cream.

June marks the beginning of summer in the UK, a time when gardens burst into life with colour, fragrance and activity. With longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, it’s the perfect month for gardeners to make the most of their outdoor spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned green-fingered expert or a weekend hobbyist, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the garden.

1. Tend to Your Lawn

June is prime lawn-growing season. With warmth and occasional rain, grass will grow quickly.

Practical Tips:

– Mow regularly (once a week or more, unless we’re in a drought).
– Raise the mower blades slightly during dry spells to avoid stressing the grass.
– Feed with a high-nitrogen summer lawn feed to keep it lush and green.
– Water deeply but infrequently, ideally in the early morning or late evening.
– Edge the lawn for a clean, defined look — it makes a surprisingly big visual impact.

2. Plant Summer Bedding

Now that the risk of frost has passed in most areas, you can confidently plant out summer bedding.

What to Plant:

– Petunias, begonias, marigolds, lobelias and geraniums are popular choices.
– Don’t forget trailing varieties for hanging baskets and containers.

Tips:

– Prepare beds by weeding and enriching the soil with compost.
– Water well after planting and mulch to retain moisture. A simple layer of bark will also help suppress weeds.

3. Deadhead and Prune for Prolonged Blooms

Many flowering plants benefit from regular maintenance in June.

Deadheading (removing faded flowers) encourages plants to produce more blooms instead of going to seed.

Plants to Deadhead Now:

– Roses
– Delphiniums
– Lupins
– Geraniums
– Poppies

Pruning Tips:

– Cut back hardy geraniums after flowering to encourage a second flush.
– Prune spring-flowering shrubs like forsythia and philadelphus once their blooms have faded.

4. Support Tall Plants

Plants like sweet peas, delphiniums and peonies can become leggy or topple after heavy rain or wind.

Tips:

– Use canes, twine or purpose-built plant supports.
– Tie in new growth as it appears.
– Check existing supports and adjust if needed.

5. Harvest Early Crops

If you’ve been growing edibles, June may reward your efforts.

Ready to Harvest in June:

– Strawberries
– Early potatoes
– Lettuce
– Spinach
– Radishes
– Broad beans
– Peas

Tip: Harvest regularly to encourage continued cropping and to prevent plants from bolting (going to seed).

6. Sow for Succession

Keep the harvest going by sowing seeds every couple of weeks.

Vegetables to Sow Now:

– Carrots
– Beetroot
– Lettuce (choose heat-tolerant varieties)
– Spring onions
– French beans
– Chard
– Pak choi

Herbs to Sow:

– Basil
– Coriander
– Dill
– Parsley

Practical Tips:

– Keep seedbeds moist (but not soggy), especially during dry spells.

7. Care for Tomatoes, Courgettes and Peppers

If you’re growing these summer favourites, June is an important month for maintenance.

Tomato Care Tips:

– Pinch out side shoots on cordon varieties to focus energy on fruit.
– Feed with a high-potassium fertiliser once the first fruits set.
– Water consistently to avoid blossom end rot and fruit splitting.

Courgette & Pepper Tips:

– Keep plants well-watered.
– Watch for slugs around young courgette plants.
– Support pepper plants as they begin to set fruit.

8. Weed, Mulch and Water

Weeds thrive in summer and compete with your plants for water and nutrients.

Tips:

– Hoe or pull weeds weekly before they set seed.
– Apply mulch (compost, bark chips or well-rotted manure) around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
– Water deeply but less often to encourage deep root growth.

9. Support Wildlife and Pollinators

Pollinators and garden wildlife are at their most active in June. Make your garden a welcoming space.

Tips:

– Avoid pesticides and use organic pest control methods.
– Leave a patch of long grass or wildflowers for bees and butterflies.
– Keep bird baths and ponds topped up during hot weather.
– Provide shallow dishes of water with pebbles for insects to land on.

10. Check for Pests and Diseases

Regular checks can help you catch problems early.

Common June Pests:

– Aphids
– Slugs and snails
– Lily beetles
– Caterpillars

Tips:

– Use water sprays or hand removal for aphids.
– Try beer traps or copper tape for slugs.
– Inspect under leaves and remove pests manually if needed.

11. Greenhouse Care

If you’re growing under glass, temperatures can soar in summer.

Tips:

– Open vents and doors during the day to improve ventilation.
– Dampen the floor on hot days to raise humidity and lower temperature.
– Shade with mesh or whitewash if necessary.
– Keep an eye out for pests like red spider mites and whitefly.

12. Recycle in the Garden

Recycling in your garden is a sustainable way to reduce waste and nourish your plants.

– Compost kitchen scraps like fruit peels, coffee grounds and eggshells to enrich your soil.
– Use fallen leaves and grass clippings as mulch.
– Repurpose old containers, cans or broken pots as planters.
– Collect rainwater in barrels to reduce mains water use.
– Lay cardboard or newspaper under mulch to suppress weeds.

Recycling garden materials not only cuts waste but also supports a healthy garden ecosystem.

13. Plan Ahead

June is a good time to think ahead and prepare for later in the season.

Things to Do:

– Take cuttings from pelargoniums, fuchsias and herbs to propagate new plants.

Final Thoughts

June is a joyful, bustling month in the garden. With a little care and attention, your plants will reward you with vibrant blooms, fresh harvests and thriving wildlife. Take time to enjoy your garden as you work – whether it’s the scent of a rose, the taste of your first strawberry, or the sight of a bee hard at work, these are the simple pleasures that make gardening so rewarding.