July is when even the healthiest Minneapolis gardens face their biggest challenge. After a strong start in spring and early summer, extended sunshine, rising temperatures, and inconsistent rainfall can quickly take a toll on flowers, shrubs, and containers.

Without the right care, vibrant gardens can start looking tired even before autumn rolls around. Thankfully, a few simple maintenance habits can keep your garden looking lush throughout the hottest weeks of the summer.

At Sunnyside Gardens, proudly serving Minneapolis gardeners since 1935, we help homeowners keep their gardens thriving all year round. Whether you live in Linden Hills, Fulton, Tangletown, or nearby, these July garden care in Minneapolis tips will help your plants stay healthy, despite the heat.

Water Smarter, Not More

One of the biggest gardening mistakes you can make in July is watering too often but too lightly. Regular shallow watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, where soil dries out quickly during the summer.

Instead, focus on deep watering once or twice a week. To see the best results:

  1. Water early in the morning before it gets hot;
  2. Soak the soil thoroughly;
  3. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.

These summer garden watering tips are especially important in South Minneapolis and Edina, where clay and loam soils dry out quickly.

Don’t Forget Containers

Container gardens need even more attention. Pots heat up much faster than garden beds, causing the soil to dry out faster. Check containers daily during heatwaves, particularly hanging baskets and decorative planters in the sun.

They usually need watering every day, or even twice a day during especially hot weather. Adding a quality mulch around container plants and garden beds also helps retain moisture while keeping soil temperatures more consistent.

Keep Flowers Blooming All Summer

Many annuals naturally slow down during the hottest weeks of the year unless they’re given a little encouragement. Regularly deadheading annuals removes spent blooms before they produce seed, letting plants direct their energy into creating fresh flowers instead.