Ger McGaugh’s July Gardening Tips on The Wagon Wheel

🌿 Recap: Galway Bay FM The Wagon Wheel with Valerie Hughes (Saturday, July 5th)

Ger McGaugh returned to The Wagon Wheel this past Saturday, July 5th, for his much-anticipated monthly gardening segment, and as always, he delivered plenty of practical, seasonal advice for gardeners across the country.

With gardens bursting into life thanks to warm temperatures and plenty of recent rainfall, Ger focused on how to feed, nourish, and protect your plants to keep them thriving through July and into autumn.

Planted Ceramic Pots by McGaughs

Here’s a full recap of what Ger covered on the show:

🌱 Lawns: Nourish Now for Autumn Strength

Ger opened by highlighting how important it is to feed your lawn at this time of year. With so much growth happening, lawns need a boost to stay green and healthy. He recommended using Lawn Gold or Mo Bacter, both of which will help strengthen grass roots and prepare the lawn for the challenges of late summer and autumn.

🍅 Tomatoes: Regular Feeding & Moisture Are Crucial

Whether you’re growing tomatoes under glass or outdoors, Ger stressed the importance of feeding them every week to ten days. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, and consistent moisture is just as important. Without regular watering, the fruit can split or develop issues like blossom end rot – so keep them moist and well-fed for a strong crop.

🌸 Window Boxes, Baskets & Containers: Don’t Let Them Suffer

With the wind battering many parts of the country recently, Ger reminded listeners that hanging baskets, window boxes, and planted containers need extra attention. These displays dry out quickly and lose nutrients fast. His advice:

  • Water every second day

  • Feed regularly with a good liquid feed. He made a special shoutout to Boost Plant Food.

  • Deadhead flowers often to encourage more blooms

These small jobs make a big difference to keeping your displays colourful and healthy.

🌹 Roses: Feed and Fight Disease

Roses in the garden centre

Ger also focused on roses, which are at their peak now. He recommended applying a high-quality granular rose feed and continuing to spray for blackspot and other fungal issues. His tip of the day? Add garlic to your regular spray – it’s a natural deterrent for pests and disease, and it helps boost overall plant health.

🍏 Fruit Trees: A Great Year Ahead

Ger is optimistic about fruit trees this year, saying many are loaded with potential. To support that, he recommended feeding them with chicken manure, seaweed, or potash-based feeds – all of which help promote fruiting and overall tree strength.

💧 Hydrangeas: Feed Makes a Huge Difference

Hydrangeas got a lot of attention too. Ger advised using either a specialist hydrangea feed (liquid or granular) or general-purpose feeds like chicken manure or seaweed, as long as they’re high in potash. He pointed out that slow-release feeds are especially beneficial for hydrangeas.

Hydrangeas in the garden

Listener Valerie even rang in to say she’s seen a huge difference in her hydrangeas since she started feeding them regularly – a great example of how consistent care pays off.

🌻 Final Thoughts from Ger

Ger wrapped up the segment by reminding gardeners that feeding is essential during this time of high growth. It’s not just about keeping things looking good now – it’s about setting your garden up for continued success into autumn.

So whether it’s your lawn, tomatoes, baskets, roses, fruit trees, or hydrangeas – now’s the time to feed, water, and protect.

Listen back here. Tune in again next month when Ger McGaugh returns to The Wagon Wheel for more timely tips and advice from one of Ireland’s most trusted gardening voices.

July 08, 2025
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