July Gardening Guide
As we enter July in the Pacific Northwest, it’s an excellent time to focus on succession planting and sowing a variety of crops that will germinate now in the peak of summer and thrive in the cooler fall weather. Here's a detailed guide on what to sow this month and why it's beneficial.
Sowing Outdoors Early in the Month:
Mustard Family:
Broccoli, Collards, Rutabagas, Turnips
These crops thrive in cooler temperatures, making July sowing perfect for a fall harvest. They benefit from the longer days early in the month, which helps them establish before cooler weather sets in. Broccoli and collards provide nutritious greens, while rutabagas and turnips offer root vegetables that store well.
Onion Family:
Egyptian Walking Onions, Pearl Onions, Scallions
These onions are great for continuous harvest. Egyptian walking onions are hardy and propagate easily, while pearl onions and scallions can be used fresh or pickled, adding flavor to summer dishes.
Pea Family:
Snap Peas, Snow Peas
These peas grow quickly and can be harvested in about 60 days. They thrive in cooler temperatures, so planting early in July ensures a late summer crop. Both are great for snacking or adding to salads and stir-fries.
Sunflower Family:
Endive, Escarole, Radicchio
These leafy greens love cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. They add diversity to salads with their slightly bitter flavors, and they thrive when planted early in July, allowing them to develop fully before fall.
Sowing Outdoors Throughout the Month:
Mustard Family:
Asian Greens
Varieties like mizuna and tatsoi grow rapidly and can be harvested as baby greens or mature leaves. They are heat-tolerant and bolt-resistant, making them perfect for July planting.
Purslane Family:
Purslane
This succulent thrives in warm weather and is drought-tolerant, making it ideal for July sowing. You may see them growing in pots around the edges of many gardens. Purslane is high in omega-3 fatty acids and can be used fresh in salads or stir-fries.
Pea Family:
Bush Beans, Pole Beans
Both types of beans grow well in the warm soil of July and provide abundant harvests. Bush beans mature quickly, while pole beans offer extended harvest periods. They're nitrogen fixers, improving soil health for subsequent plantings.
Sunflower Family:
Lettuce
Heat-tolerant varieties of lettuce can be sown throughout the month. Succession planting every couple of weeks ensures a continuous harvest. Lettuce is perfect for fresh salads and wraps.
Sowing Outdoors Late in the Month:
Beet Family:
Spinach
Spinach prefers cooler weather, so late July planting allows it to establish as temperatures begin to drop. It’s rich in iron and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to meals.
Mustard Family:
Chinese Cabbage, Kale, Kohlrabi, Radishes
These crops thrive in cool weather. Chinese cabbage and kale offer nutritious greens, while kohlrabi and radishes add crunch to dishes. They mature quickly and can be harvested before winter sets in.
Sunflower Family:
Endive, Escarole, Lettuce, Radicchio
Planting these again later in July ensures a second crop that can withstand fall frosts, adding variety to autumn salads.
Sowing Biennial and Perennial Flowers and Herbs (June to Early July):
Carrot Family:
Lovage (Ligusticum officinale)
This perennial herb resembles celery and is great for soups and stews. It thrives in the PNW climate and attracts beneficial insects.
Figwort Family:
Mullein (Verbascum spp.)
Mullein is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators. It’s known for its medicinal properties and adds vertical interest to gardens.
Mint Family:
Thyme (Thymus spp.)
This hardy perennial herb is perfect for adding flavor to dishes and attracts beneficial insects. Thyme thrives in the well-draining soils of the PNW.
Pea Family:
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice is a perennial that can be used for its sweet roots in teas and confections. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Sowing these crops and flowers in July helps maintain a productive and diverse garden. By focusing on plants that thrive in cooler temperatures, you’ll enjoy a bountiful fall harvest while supporting beneficial insects and improving soil health.
