Outdoor Tomatoes

Tomatoes planted outdoors in June will be growing vigorously by July and should be tied in regularly if growing indeterminate (cordon) varieties. Bush or determinate tomatoes require much less support and can usually be held upright with cages or sturdy stakes.

As plants are tied to their supports using soft twine, remove any side shoots and water thoroughly. If the soil was enriched with compost before planting and is naturally fertile, additional feeding may not be necessary. Greenhouse or container-grown tomatoes, however, benefit from a weekly application of liquid seaweed or a tomato fertilizer.

From late July onward, the risk of tomato blight increases during periods of warm, humid weather. Good air circulation is the best defense. Remove the lower leaves as the fruit develops to improve ventilation and allow more sunlight to reach the ripening tomatoes.

Summer Pruning Apple and Pear Trees

Summer pruning is ideal for trained fruit trees such as espaliers, cordons, and fans, as well as mature apple and pear trees that have become overcrowded. Unlike winter pruning, summer pruning helps control size without encouraging vigorous new growth.

Unless a shoot is being trained into the framework of the tree, cut this season’s new growth back to two pairs of leaves, leaving approximately 2–4 inches of growth. Avoid removing any developing fruit. Tie in any shoots that are needed for shaping the tree. This pruning allows more light and air to reach the fruit, improves ripening, and prevents the canopy from becoming overly dense.

Cut Back Early-Flowering Perennials

Early-flowering perennials such as oriental poppies, delphiniums, and hardy geraniums should be cut back to ground level once flowering has finished. This encourages fresh foliage and often produces a second flush of blooms later in the summer.

Remove all cut material to the compost pile, weed around the base of each plant, and water if conditions are dry. Leave enough space around the plants so they receive adequate light and airflow as they regrow.

Stake Tall-Growing Plants

Warm July weather often produces rapid growth that many plants cannot support without assistance. Heavy rain, strong winds, and summer storms can quickly flatten flower borders if plants are left unsupported.

Install supports before plants begin to collapse. Brushwood, bamboo canes, metal supports, or plant rings all work well. The goal is to support plants discreetly while allowing them to retain their natural movement and appearance.

Tall annuals such as Ammi, sunflowers, cleome, cosmos, tithonia, and lion’s ear may also require staking. Secure stems loosely with soft twine about halfway up the plant so they remain upright while still swaying naturally in the wind.