July means that the summer is in full swing and the borders are bursting with color. For many regions the summer heat means that it is mainly a question of keeping the existing plants happy rather than planting new so maintenance is the primary task. This article by Amanda which I found on the American Meadows website covers both maintenance tasks and suggestions for planting where possible in the four regions of the country.

The start of July means summer is in full swing and most of our gardens are at the peak of the season, bursting with Daylilies, Bee Balm, Astilbe, Lavender, and more. July is also a big month for garden maintenance; the hot weather makes it important to keep up with watering, weeding, and other chores in the garden to ensure your landscape stays healthy during some of the hottest days of the year. If you live in a cooler area, there is still time to add some quick-blooming varieties to your garden for a big burst of color in the late summer into fall.

We’ll outline July garden maintenance by region, focusing on the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and West, as well as give some of our favorite varieties for July planting in both dry and humid climates.

July Gardening: What (Or If) To Plant

In many parts of the country it?s simply too hot to plant anything in July. In areas like the Southeast and coastal West, you?ll have to wait until the fall to add anything to your garden. But for gardeners in certain regions in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest, July offers up a great chance to plant quick-growing wildflowers and vegetables to extend your season. In the hottest zones, you’re next chance for planting from seed will likely come in August or September.

Wildflowers For July Planting

July is a great time to add quick-blooming wildflowers like Alyssum, Red Poppy, Zinnia, and Cosmos to your garden. These wildflowers grow and bloom in just weeks, giving them plenty of time to create an end-of-season show in your garden if planted in July. These wildflowers are a great way to fill in empty spots in your perennial or wildflower gardens, as well as offer up plenty of nectar at the end of the season for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

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