July heat is no joke — but your outdoor spaces don’t have to suffer for it.

This is actually a great time to slow down and think about what you want from your yard. An entertainment spot? A quiet bench under a shade tree? A container garden that brings in butterflies and hummingbirds? Whatever you’re imagining, we’re here to help you make it happen. Stop by to walk our community garden beds for inspiration, or chat with one of our team members about transforming your space into somewhere you want to be.

Your plants are doing more for you than you realize.

Cut lavender can promote more restful sleep. Houseplants in key spots help improve indoor air quality. Fresh herbs and vegetables nourish your body — and a sprig of mint in a glass of iced tea on a hot July afternoon? That’s what summer is all about.

Warm-season vegetables need a little extra support to keep fruiting and flowering in the heat.

Espoma’s “Tone” line has you covered: Garden-Tone is a solid all-purpose option for herbs and vegetables, and Tomato-Tone gives tomatoes the extra boost they need. Always water thoroughly after applying fertilizer, and follow the package directions.

This is the most important thing you can do for your garden right now.

Most plants need about 2 inches of water per week in July and August. Water in the early morning so leaves have time to dry before the heat peaks — and go slow and deep rather than quick and shallow. Fast watering runs off before it soaks in.

Not sure if your plant needs water or just some shade? Check the soil a few inches down. Dry soil means it’s thirsty. Moist soil with drooping or yellowing leaves often points to heat stress instead — try a patio umbrella for temporary relief. (Just close it before any pop-up storms roll through.) A moisture meter takes the guesswork out of reading soil conditions deeper down.

If your mulch is looking thin, now’s a great time to top it off.

A 2–3 inch layer locks in moisture and insulates roots from the heat — two things your plants need in July. Areas that have thinned out should be refreshed as needed throughout the season.

A quick pass through the garden keeps annuals blooming all summer.

Remove spent blooms from annuals to encourage the plant to keep flowering. For perennials and shrubs that have finished their bloom cycle, you can leave spent blooms in place — birds will thank you for the food source.

Deer, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks — they love your garden as much as you do.

Many plants will bounce back after some browsing, but if the visits are getting out of hand, Plant Skydd and Bonide repellents have worked well here. For squirrels and chipmunks digging in containers, try placing Permatil around the base of your plants.

This is our rewards program. Your Daisy Dollars are redeemable July 1–15. All the details are printed on the back of your Daisy Dollars.

Garden Club meets Tuesday, July 14 at 10 AM.

We’ll discuss the challenges of gardening during the summer months and sharing tips to help plants thrive in high temperatures. We hope you’ll join us!