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July is a busy month for gardeners, especially those with short-season gardens. Knowing what to plant during this time can help maximize your harvest and keep your garden productive through the summer. This article provides a comprehensive July planting calendar with the best crops to sow and care for in short season gardens.
Understanding Short Season Gardens
Short season gardens typically have a growing period of less than 100 days from planting to harvest. These gardens are common in cooler climates or areas with shorter summers. Selecting crops that mature quickly is essential for success. Proper planning and timing can lead to multiple harvests within a single season.
July Planting Calendar Overview
In July, gardeners should focus on crops that can be sown directly into the soil or started indoors for later transplantation. The key is to choose fast-growing varieties that can mature before the end of the growing season. Here’s a month-by-month guide to planting in July for short season gardens.
Vegetables to Sow Directly in July
- Radishes: Ready in as little as 3-4 weeks, radishes are perfect for quick harvests.
- Leaf Lettuce: Fast-growing and ideal for succession planting.
- Spinach: Sow for a late summer crop, especially in cooler regions.
- Bush Beans: Plant now for a late summer harvest; harvest in about 50-60 days.
- Carrots: Shorter varieties can be sown now for fall harvest.
Starting Crops Indoors for Transplanting
- Broccoli: Start indoors now to transplant in late July or early August.
- Cabbage: Similar to broccoli, start indoors for a fall crop.
- Cauliflower: Sow indoors for transplanting later in the month.
- Kale: Can be direct sown or started indoors for an extended harvest.
Care Tips for July Plantings
During July, ensure consistent watering, especially during hot days. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, which can be more prevalent in warm weather. Using organic pest control methods can protect your crops without harming beneficial insects.
Additional Tips for Success
To extend your growing season, consider using row covers or shade cloths to protect plants from intense sun and temperature fluctuations. Succession planting—sowing new crops every few weeks—can maximize your harvest and keep your garden productive through late summer and early fall.
Choosing the Right Varieties
Select fast-maturing varieties suited for your climate. Check seed packets for days to maturity and choose those that can be harvested within your remaining growing season.
Conclusion
July is an excellent time to plant quick-growing crops in short season gardens. Proper selection, timely sowing, and attentive care can lead to a bountiful harvest before the growing season ends. With careful planning, your garden can thrive even in a shortened growing period.