July Seed Starting

July is a fantastic time to kick off a new round of seed starting, whether you're looking to fill in gaps in your garden or prepare for a bountiful fall harvest. Here’s a guide to help you decide which seeds to start and where to start them, ensuring a successful gardening season.

Directly Sown in the Ground

For July planting, certain seeds thrive best when sown directly into the soil. These include:

Green Beans (Bush Varieties)

With a shorter maturity period, bush varieties of green beans are ideal for direct sowing in July. They adapt well to the warm soil and will provide a harvest before the first frost.

Summer Squash (Zucchini)

Summer squash loves the heat and can be directly sown in July. This method allows the plants to establish quickly and produce a good harvest.

Leafy Greens

Heat-tolerant greens such as Swiss chard, collards, kale, and New Zealand spinach can be sown directly in the ground. These greens can handle the summer warmth and will mature nicely for a fall harvest.

Root Vegetables

Beets, carrots, and radishes are excellent choices for direct sowing in July. These root vegetables will develop well and be ready for harvest before the colder weather sets in.

Herbs

Cilantro and dill are resilient herbs that can be sown directly in the ground during July. They thrive in summer conditions and will continue to grow robustly.

Started Indoors and Transplanted

Some plants benefit greatly from being started indoors before being transplanted outdoors. This controlled environment provides the seeds with an optimal start and prepares them for outdoor conditions. Consider starting these seeds indoors:

Broccoli

Broccoli requires a longer growing season, making it beneficial to start these seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before transplanting them outside. This head start helps them mature in cooler fall temperatures.

Kale

While kale can be direct-sown, starting it indoors can help avoid the hottest part of summer. This method allows the plants to grow stronger before facing outdoor conditions.

Brussels Sprouts

Like broccoli, Brussels sprouts do well when started indoors. This helps them establish before being transplanted, ensuring a healthy fall harvest.

Cabbage and Cauliflower

These plants benefit from a controlled indoor start. Beginning them indoors ensures they have a strong root system and are less stressed when transplanted outdoors for a fall crop.

Kohlrabi

Starting kohlrabi indoors provides a stable environment for germination, leading to healthier seedlings that can be transplanted outdoors as the weather cools.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, starting seeds in July can be both rewarding and strategic. Direct sowing is perfect for heat-loving and fast-maturing plants like green beans, summer squash, leafy greens, and root vegetables. On the other hand, starting seeds indoors gives plants like broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi a better chance to thrive by providing a controlled environment for their early growth stages.
By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to a successful late-summer and fall garden, reaping the benefits of fresh, home-grown produce right into the cooler months. Happy planting!

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