Wondering what to plant in July when another heatwave is on the horizon? It’s a tough one – how do you put your efforts into new plants when the old plants are struggling?
List though Things you can plant in July Long, not every plant will survive this year’s recurring heatwaves – so it’s wise to plant flowers and crops that can tolerate hot, drought-like conditions instead.
As a gardening expert at Ideal Home and the proud owner of a small garden in London, I’m all too aware of the challenge of finding plants to add to my garden this month that won’t mind a sudden 30+ degree heatwave. Here are some things I’m planting this July that can withstand a blast of heat this summer.
What you will need
Verve
Mali Matte Whitewashed Terracotta Plant Pot
Terracotta pots beautifully complement drought-tolerant plants.
Smart Garden
Smart Garden Metal Saxon Hanging Basket
Some of the plants on this list grow well in hanging baskets.
Wasteland
Wasteland potting grit
Horticultural grit is ideal for improving soil drainage in pots.
1. Verbena
(Image credit: Getty Images / Alex Manders)
Verbena My mother has a staple in the garden border, and the bees and butterflies love it, so I’ve been meaning to plant some in my new garden since I moved here. It is beautiful And Drought tolerantSo it is safe to plant around July heatwaves if the soil is not too dry.
‘Verbena bonariensis Produces an absolutely stunning display of head-high purple flowers from late summer to autumn and is covered in butterfly coffee as soon as it catches a glimpse of sunlight,’ says the garden expert. Sarah Raven. ‘They endure drought Perennial So little maintenance is required, but you should protect with leaf mold or a layer of compost mulch in autumn.’
You can buy ready-made mulch like this Strutch from Amazon If you are now looking for mulch around the base of the plant as a warm-weather protective measure.
Where to buy Verbena:
2. Salad vegetables
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Salad crops are brilliant vegetables It is also suitable for container growing, and for filling empty spaces in beds and borders. It may seem counterintuitive to choose lettuce and radishes during a heatwave, but some varieties do better in the heat than others.
‘If you want to add some homegrown crops to your summer salad, late sowings of beetroot, radishes, lettuce and salad crops grow quickly in warm soil,’ says Nigel Lawton, plant buyer. Dobby’s Garden Centers.
Swiss chard is actually a Drought tolerant vegetablesAnd if you go for the rainbow variety ie ‘Celebration’ (you can order seeds from Thompson & Morgan)You will have one yourself Beautiful edible plant Which tastes good.
Where to buy lettuce seeds:
3. Pelargoniums
(Image credit: Getty Images/Jackie Parker Photography)
Pelargonium is a popular tender perennial that produces stunning blooms all the way from late spring through fall, and has been on my list for a while. It’s Sarah’s recommendation if you’re looking for beautiful color and aroma in rims and pots – you’ll need to be a little more careful with watering cans than others. Potted drought-tolerant plants.
‘Pelargoniums are not thirsty plants, but if they get too dry they will stunt growth,’ says Sarah Raven. ‘You should water and feed the plant well in the summer and deadhead to encourage another flush of flowers.’
Where to buy pelargonium:
4. Hole
(Image credit: Getty Images / Alex Manders)
Gaura is also known as Beeblossom, and is just as beautiful as it sounds – clusters of delicate white flowers adorn slender stems and last for months. As luck would have it, it’s also drought-tolerant – so ideal for planting this July.
‘Gaura is a really perfect plant for lining paths and adding froth to flower beds,’ says Sarah Raven. ‘It’s a really versatile plant so it looks great in an arrangement, but also looks great in a cloud.
‘They need to be placed in full sunlight and flower from June to August. They are particularly drought tolerant, so really easy to maintain.’
Where to buy Gaura:
5. Herbs
(Image credit: Future plc / Sophie King)
I’m also thinking about planting drought-tolerant herbs this month, which means Mediterranean classics like rosemary, thyme and sage. They’re ideal for warmer climates, so they’re a safer bet for the next heatwave.
‘If you’re willing to water, you can still plant herbs in the ground, or better yet, in pots where you can keep an eye on watering and pluck a few leaves in the kitchen,’ says Topher Martin, head gardener. Sion Park.
‘Woody Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary are very easy to maintain and will take little neglect.’
Where to buy herbs:
If any plant is going to survive the next heatwave, these guys definitely have a better chance!
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