July Homesteading to-Do list
This July homesteading to-do list will help you keep up with your livestock’s care, your garden’s upkeep, and summer projects. It is an actionable checklist that will help you stay on track even during the business of summer.
Keep this list with all your homesteading tips so you have an easier way to stay on top of all the things that need your attention and care in July.
July is the middle point of summer, and the biggest areas you will want to focus on this month are your livestock and garden. To help things endure the heat, daily watering is at the top of your list.
Luckily, July is not quite as busy in other areas, so you can slow down a bit, which can be helpful when the temperatures are hot.
Use this month’s checklist to help stay on top of seasonal projects so each area of your homestead gets the attention it needs.
July Homesteading To-Do List
July is also the start of the hot season in most areas, so you will want to be strategic about when you do your outside chores. Luckily, the sun rises pretty early, giving you the light you need to get a jump on what you have on your list.
Be sure to grab the FREE July Homesteading to-do List below!
July Garden Tasks
Plants are in growth mode this month, and that helps to keep the ground shaded discouraging weed growth.
#1. Water Consistently
Be sure you are watering enough to keep the roots damp but not soaking. Have a watering routine that you do each day, such as running the sprinkler for 20 minutes every morning.
If watering every day is hard to keep up with, you can set up an irrigation system putting this important task on autopilot.
HIRALIY 50ft Drip Irrigation Kit Plant Watering System 8x5mm Blank Distribution Tubing DIY Automatic Irrigation Equipment Set for Garden Greenhouse Flower Bed Patio Lawn
Drip Irrigation System, 180 Pcs 164FT Garden Irrigation System 1/4Carpathen Drip Irrigation Kit – New Improved Push-to-Connect Adjustable Drip Irrigation System for Raised Garden Beds, Greenhouse – Complete Micro Watering System with 1/4 Spray Emitters, 1/2 Tubing
#3. Check Supports
If you did not add supports last month, you will want to do so now. Check all your heavy producers and add in stakes, trellises, or cages. The most common plants to look at are:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Peas
- Beans
#4. Control Weeds
If weeding is a chore that is constantly on your list, you can use mulch to keep weeds from growing. I like to add a layer of fresh cut grass around the base of our plants. This really helps to keep weeds from growing and holds moisture in the soil longer.
#5. Plant Check
Pests and diseases can sneak up on you if you are not watching out for them, do a check every few days to see that your plants are still growing well. Things to watch for are:
- Spots on the leaves
- Eggs under the leaves
- Spots on growing produce
- Bites in produce
- Dead or wilted leaves on vines
SLCG Pro Tip: If you find an issue with any of your plants, search our site for the plant in question. We have a growing guide for most plants that will give tips on controlling issues and keeping things from spreading.
#6. Sow Fall Crops
Plant now for a fall harvest any plants that will mature quickly so they are ready to pick in the fall.
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Cabbage
- Salad Greens
July Livestock Tasks
Helping your livestock better deal with the heat is something you will need to do daily.
#1. ConsistEnt Watering
Give fresh water daily to all your animals by dumping out bowls and tubs and refilling them. Remove any buildup of algae if needed.
If it is in the budget, invest in an automatic watering system to ensure your animals have access to fresh cool water daily.
MINYULUA Automatic Waterer Bowl Large Horse Waterer with Float Valve and Drain Plug Automatic Water Feeder Dispenser Bowl for Sheep Dog Horse Cow Pig Plastic (dark blue)Automatic Animal Drinking Water Bowl, 304 Stainless Steel Waterer for Dog Horse Goat Pig Cow, Livestock Water Trough Dispenser with Pipe Hose, 2 Float Valves, Quick Connecter, Expansion BoltLittle Giant® Automatic Animal Waterer | 4 Gallon | Float Controlled Automatic Waterer for Livestock | Heavy Duty and Durable | Made in USA | Blue
#2. Hay
Continue making hay and filling your storage area with bales to get you through the late fall and winter.
#3. Health Checks
This task should be on your list every month. Being proactive with your animal’s health is much easier than dealing with sick or injured livestock. Keep a record of what your animals look and feel like when they are healthy so you can better tell when they are not.
#4. Vet Check
If you did not do a vet check-in for June, you can schedule one this month. Having a vet come to your homestead allows you to get caught up on routine and seasonal tasks in one visit.
A few seasonal tasks are:
- Vaccinations
- Hoof care
- Fecal tests
- Dehorning or disbudding kids
- Answer any health concerns
- Overall health checks
#5. Breeding
If you breed in July, you will want to turn your male livestock out to be with your females. Be sure to keep records of times and breedings, so you have accurate dates for kiddings and calvings.
#6. Hooves
Check the hooves of your animals and trim if needed. Watch for walking issues and address any that you find.
July Chicken/duck Tasks
The good news is things are much less muddy in July; the bad news is the ground is dry and dusty.
#1. Run Care
Use a shovel to turn over dusty areas of a run to bring up fresh cool soil and bugs for your flock to scratch in.
#2. Chick Care
If your chicks arrived in late winter, they should now be in the main coop with the rest of the flock. Watch for eggs, which usually come around 5-6 months of age.
#3. Flock Care
Bored chickens can cause issues in a flock, add in a few activities your chickens can do to keep them occupied on warm summer days.
- A wash tub filled with cool water.
- Frozen treats.
- Produce treat holders
- Toys
#4. Coop Care
Spot-clean the coop to keep dust and pests from getting out of hand. Use a broom to clean the vent of the coop, remove soiled bedding and, add new, scrape manure off the roost, refill nesting boxes with fresh straw and herbs.
July Barn Tasks
The most important are of a homestead is the barn and that means there are monthly tasks you will want to do to keep this busy area more streamlined.
#1. Spot Clean
Keeping a clean barn helps to keep everything more enjoyable to take care of. Spot clean dirty areas this month to keep the overall look more inviting.
#2. Fans
If you have not done so yet, install fans to keep the airflow fresher and cleaner. If you have animals that primarily stay in the barn, have fans in those areas to keep them cooler.
#3. Feed Room
Clean the feed room and look for evidence of pests or rodents. Finding things quickly will help you to stop them from multiplying and setting up a permanent home for the winter.
#4. Building Check
Walk the building and inspect the windows and doors, looking for any areas that need to be fixed or updated.
#5. Control Flies
Use sticky traps to catch annoying pests such as flies. Make a natural fly spray and use on your livestock to help give them some relief.
Natural Livestock Fly Spray
This is a great way to help give relief to your livestock from biting barn flies.
- 2 cups Apple Cider Vinegar
- 15-20 drops Peppermint oil
- 15-20 drops Lavender oil
- 15-20 drops Citronella Oil
- 1/2 tbs of Dawn dish soap
Mix together in a spray bottle and spray as needed gently shaking before each use.
Overall Homestead Tasks
Each month it is good to check in on your annual project list to be sure you are staying on track with your plans and goals.
#1. MOnthly Projects
Look at the projects you have listed for the month. Ask for help or hire assistance to help you get things completed on time. A few teenagers can be very helpful in getting yard work, barn cleaning, and hay projects done.
#2. Planning
• Canning – Inspect your canning supplies and make a list of what you need to purchase. I learned to buy these items early as they can sell out later on.
• Breeding – Inspect your livestock that you have earmarked for breeding to ensure they are healthy. Adjust feeds and supplements if needed.
• New ventures – Dreaming can be fun especially in the summer. What new ventures do you have your eye on? Make a list and spend time researching.
Having a monthly list of tasks will help you to stay on track and relax knowing all the areas are getting a bit of attention for the month. Keep this July Homesteading To-Do list in your homestead binder so you can refer to it year after year.
