Hey, frand, heyyyyy . . . it’s time for monthly gardening guide in July, cow pie! Gardening Guides are based on personal experience in Zone 4. Don’t hesitate with any questions about the information here, or how it could apply to your own zone.

Monthly Gardening Guide: July

Indoor

Sow

If you’re planning a fall garden, July is the perfect time to start vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale indoors. They’ll be ready to transplant in late August or early September for a late fall harvest.

Outdoor

Weed

Just like in June, it’s super important to keep up with the weeds in July. However, at least for me and my neighbors, this is easier said than done. Everything is growing like a weed, and that includes the weeds themselves! Paired with all the fun that summer brings, weeding easily takes a back seat. If you added mulch like (straw) in June, give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back, because you deserve it!

Trellis

Many of the cucumbers and tomatoes are taller than me at this point, and man is it wild! Keeping them pruned and continuing to add support via their trellises keeps things tidy and easier for harvest. See June’s Gardening Guide for how I trellis tomatoes/cucumbers. In addition to those tips, I also prune off any leaves that start to show any signs of disease.

Fertilize

Fruit set is the perfect time for a dose of high-concentrate liquid seaweed fertilizer. I apply this to tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, corn, and artichokes in July.

Identifying/Removing Pests

Pest control remains the same as in June, so refer back to that guide for additional tips.

Sow

Depending on how much of your harvest you’ve consumed, you may want to sow additional greens, carrots, radishes, beets, and beans for a continuous supply. I’m big into juicing, and my beet supply is quickly dwindling.

Harvest

July excites with brand new colors and shapes in the garden. Planning dinner based on what’s prime time in the garden is what it’s all about. In addition to continuing June harvests, we’re now harvesting beans, herbs, cucumbers, potatoes, onions, garlic, and allllll the summer squashes/flowers. The very first cherry tomatoes are ripening. Sungold first, followed by Supersweet 100, then all the heirlooms will follow in August, as well as the beefsteaks, plums, and romas. There are a few peppers ready for picking, like one of my all-time favorite, Aji Cristal. However, most won’t be ready until August. The sweet corn and artichokes are nearly ripe for picking, testing my patience every day.