July and late summer offer a great opportunity to extend your gardening season
There’s a variety of seeds and plants that thrive in warm soil and air. Whether you live in cooler or warmer hardiness zones, there are many vegetables, herbs, and flowers you can still plant for a fruitful fall harvest.
- Beans (Bush and Pole): Beans love warm soil and can be sown every 7-10 days for a continuous fall harvest. Varieties like Blue Lake FM-1K Pole and Landreth Stringless are excellent choices.
- Brussels Sprouts: These can be planted or transplanted in July for a long fall harvest. Suggested varieties include Long Island and Gustus.
- Broccoli: Starting broccoli in July yields a delicious crop into November. Varieties like Calabrese and Early Purple work well.
- Carrots: Planting carrots mid-July in cooler zones results in a fall crop that stores well in the garden. Try Little Finger or Nantes varieties.
- Corn: Early maturing corn varieties such as Bodacious and Sugar Buns can be planted in early July for a late summer/fall harvest.
- Cucumbers: Both vine and bush cucumbers can be planted in July, with varieties like Homemade Pickles and Double Yield recommended. They thrive in soil around 70°F and grow quickly.
- Kale: Planting kale from mid-July to mid-August ensures a robust fall and winter harvest. Blue Curled Scotch is a popular variety.
- Squash and Zucchini: These fast-growing plants can be direct sown in July and harvested before fall. They fill garden gaps and produce abundantly.
- Okra: A heat-loving plant that germinates well in July, okra produces edible pods in about 50 days. Soaking seeds before planting can speed germination.
- Leafy Greens: Heat-tolerant greens such as arugula, mizuna, and red lettuce can be planted in July for quick growth before cooler weather arrives.
- Peas: In southern zones, peas can be planted in late summer for a fall harvest.
Herbs to Plant
- Basil: Thrives in the heat of July and grows quickly, allowing for harvest before fall.
- Cilantro and Dill: These herbs do well in warmer climates during summer and can be planted in July.
Flowers and Other Plants
- Marigolds, Cosmos, Nasturtiums, Zinnias: These flowers can be direct sown in July to add color and attract pollinators late into the season.
- Colchicums (Autumn Crocus): Plant bulbs in July for blooms in September.
Tips for Successful July Planting
- Choose fast-maturing varieties that can produce before the first frost.
- Succession planting (sowing seeds every week or two) helps maintain a steady harvest.
- Keep soil moist, especially during hot weather, to aid germination and growth.
- Provide support for pole beans and cucumbers as needed.
In summary, July is not too late to plant a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. With the right choices and care, you can enjoy a productive garden well into the fall and even early winter