7 Crops You Can Still Plant In July!

Summary

In this video, James Prigioni shares seven crops that can still be planted in July, offering tips for gardeners in Zone 7a. He highlights cucumbers, green beans, summer squash, carrots, lettuce, Swiss chard, and brassicas like kale and cabbage, emphasizing the importance of continuing to sow for a consistent harvest. James explains various planting techniques, including the carrot board method and using seed trays for lettuce. He also talks about the challenges of germination in hot weather and shares advice on how to maximize harvests well into fall and winter, ensuring an ongoing food supply.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cucumbers can still be planted in July, as they can produce until the first frost in October, giving around 100 days for growth.
• 😀 Green beans, especially bush varieties like the Dragon Tongue, can be planted in July and will be ready in about 60 days.
• 😀 Summer squash varieties like zucchini and patty pan squash can also be planted in July, with about 60 days for growth before frost.
• 😀 Carrots are a bit tricky to plant in July due to hot weather, but using the 'carrot board trick' can help maintain moisture for germination.
• 😀 Lettuce can still be planted in July, but it needs cooler conditions and a bolt-resistant variety like 'Slow Bolt' to succeed in the heat.
• 😀 Swiss chard is heat-tolerant and can be planted in July, thriving in partial shade, which is great for areas that are too hot for other plants.
• 😀 Brassicas like kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli can be started in July for a fall harvest, though they need careful timing to avoid the first frost.
• 😀 Starting brassicas in seed trays and transplanting them later can be helpful to avoid extreme heat that could stress young plants.
• 😀 July is a great time to think about successive planting, ensuring continuous harvests throughout the growing season.
• 😀 James emphasizes the importance of continually planting crops throughout the season to maximize yields, not just focusing on the harvest.

Q & A

What is the significance of planting crops in July?

Planting in July is important for extending the growing season and ensuring continuous harvests. This month offers an opportunity to plant crops that will mature before the first frost, ensuring that you continue to harvest through the fall and winter.

Why is it important to focus on planting during July instead of just harvesting?

Focusing on planting ensures that you can continually harvest crops throughout the year. If you only focus on harvesting, you might miss out on new crops that will thrive later in the season, especially as temperatures cool.

What are the advantages of planting cucumbers in July?

Cucumbers planted in July have enough time to grow until the first frost (around October 15th). Many cucumber varieties, like the Socrates cucumber, only take about 60 days from seed to harvest, making them perfect for late planting.

How does mulch help with planting green beans in July?

Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, ensuring good germination for beans, especially when the temperatures rise. It also protects the seeds from extreme heat and ensures the ground stays moist enough for the beans to sprout.

What is the recommended planting method for summer squash like zucchinis in July?

Summer squash, such as zucchinis, can be directly sown into the ground or started in trays. Starting seeds in trays allows you to transplant them into new locations when ready, helping to avoid competition with other plants.

What is the 'carrot board trick' for planting carrots in hot weather?

The 'carrot board trick' involves planting carrot seeds directly on the surface of the soil, lightly watering them, and then covering the area with a board to keep the soil moist. Once the seeds start germinating, the board is removed to allow the carrots to grow freely.

Why do carrots become sweeter after frost, and how does this impact planting them in July?

Carrots become sweeter after the ground cools following frost, which enhances their flavor. Planting them in July ensures that they mature through the fall and winter, producing sweeter, more flavorful carrots after the first frost.

What challenges does lettuce face when planted in July, and how can they be overcome?

Lettuce faces challenges with germination in the heat of July, as the seeds need a flash of light to sprout. The solution is to start lettuce seeds in trays under shade or filtered sunlight and transplant them once they have four true leaves, ideally in partial shade.

Why is Swiss chard a great crop to plant in July?

Swiss chard is heat-tolerant and can grow well in both hot and cold conditions. Planting it in July allows for a long harvest period, and it can be grown in shady spots where other crops may struggle due to the heat.

What are the benefits of planting brassicas like kale, cabbage, and broccoli in July?

Planting brassicas in July ensures that you have crops that are cold-hardy and can mature after the first frost. They require enough time to grow and reach maturity before the weather turns too cold, making them ideal for late-season planting.