By Benedict Vanheems – 9 July 2024
Midsummer marks the height of the growing season, but with all the weeding, watering, and harvesting, it’s easy to overlook the chance to start new plants. Savvy gardeners know that July is the perfect time to sow a second—or even third—round of crops, ensuring a garden that remains lush and productive for months to come.
This guide highlights five reliable, tried-and-true crops to plant in July, complete with practical tips to help you achieve abundant harvests.
1. Kale: A Cool-Weather Champion
Kale is the star of leafy greens, thriving as summer wanes and autumn approaches. By sowing it now, you’ll enjoy a hardy crop that matures during cooler months when pests are less active. Most varieties will even stand strong through winter!
How to Sow and Grow:
- Start kale in plug trays with two seeds per plug. Thin to one seedling per plug after germination.
- If garden space is tight, transfer young plants to larger pots until a bed becomes available.
- Once ready, plant kale 16 inches (40 cm) apart. Firm the soil and water deeply to establish roots.
- Harvest leaves in autumn, with a potential spring revival before flowering. Bonus: Allowing kale to flower supports early pollinators.
2. Peas: The Last Call for Sweet Pods
Peas sown in July deliver quick, flavorful harvests before the first frost. Choose dwarf varieties for faster maturity, ensuring a fall yield.
How to Sow and Grow:
- Create rows 12 inches (30 cm) apart, sowing seeds 2 inches (5 cm) deep and spaced 2 inches apart.
- Provide light support, such as twiggy prunings.
- Regular watering, especially in hot weather, is essential. Protect seedlings from birds with netting.
With proper care, peas can deliver premium pods to enjoy throughout the early autumn.
3. Endive: A Sophisticated Salad Staple
Endive adds a touch of glamour to salads with its slightly bitter flavor, beautifully balancing milder greens. Choose frisée for intricate curly leaves or escarole for fuller, broader ones.
How to Sow and Grow:
- Start with a pinch of seeds in pots of sifted potting mix. Cover lightly and water gently.
- Transplant seedlings to individual plugs or pots when established, then plant out 9 inches (23 cm) apart in the garden.
- Water consistently to keep plants thriving in dry weather.
In just two months, your salads will be transformed with these elegant leaves.
4. Carrots: Sweet Roots for Fall
For quick, tender carrots, select varieties like Nantes or Amsterdam Forcing. These fast-growers can still yield a delightful harvest before winter.
How to Sow and Grow:
- Mark rows 10 inches (25 cm) apart, sow seeds thinly (½ inch or 1 cm apart), and cover with soil.
- For containers, reuse old potting mix and sow seeds evenly.
- Water rows or containers well to promote germination.
Expect your carrots to be ready for picking within two months, offering sweet, crisp roots perfect for fall meals.
5. Bok Choy: A Delicate Asian Delight
Bok choy is a versatile vegetable beloved for its tender leaves and stems. It’s a kitchen favorite, especially stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce.
How to Sow and Grow:
- Sow two seeds per plug tray, thinning to one seedling once germinated.
- Keep seedlings cool and well-watered, ideally in dappled shade. Protect from pests like slugs with barriers or beer traps.
- Transplant seedlings 8 inches (20 cm) apart once established.
This crop thrives in cooler temperatures, so if your summers are scorching, wait until late summer to sow.
Maximize Your Growing Season
July offers a golden opportunity to extend your harvests with these five resilient crops. Whether you’re planting kale for winter greens, peas for autumn pods, or carrots for sweet roots, a little midseason planning can double your garden’s output. So grab your seeds and get growing—your future self will thank you!
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