What to plant in July

July is characterized by long warm days which make it a fantastic month for sowing seeds. Many edible crops can be planted during this month for a bountiful fall harvest. The key, however, to market gardening success is understanding which conditions are favorable for certain crops so you know what’s ideal to plant.

With that in mind, here are 5 plants to sow this July for months of tasty harvests.

Spinach

Spinach is a seasonal crop that tends to benefit from the warmer temperatures of July. It also flourishes from the coolness that marks the onset of autumn. Since long days with warm weather cause the spinach to flower quickly it is best suited to grow in USDA zone 5.

For the best outcome and maximum yield start sowing in late July and concentrate on autumn as the main season for the crop. That’s because although spinach likes warm weather in its early and mid phases it matures best in cooler temperatures.

If you’re growing spinach in a warm climate plant it in the shade of tall crops such as corn to protect the young plants from extreme heat.

Arugula

Arugula best grows in the Mid-Atlantic States where there are mild temperatures and late frost. For this reason, the crop is best grown in zones 6 and 7, often in July.

The site to plant arugula needs to have well-drained soils and be sunny to part-sunny. The plant requires at least six hours of sunlight a day, on most days. However, as the temperatures rise it also needs some shade to prevent it from wilting. Too much heat can also ruin its flavor.

Word of caution: Do not plant arugula in locations where other Brassicaceae family has been grown in the past year as diseases that affect the plant family may still linger in the soil.

Carrots

Carrots are best grown in early spring and the mid-summer months such as July to ensure a bountiful harvest through fall. They thrive in locations with plenty of sunshine and well-drained soils and typically do well in zones 4-10.

Unlike other plants, carrots have special roots that require loose sandy soils to grow and expand deep in the earth without obstruction. For this reason, soil preparation is crucial before planting carrots.

Till the ground at least 12 inches deep and make sure you remove any clumps or rocks that may hinder the plant’s growth. It’s also important that you don’t use nitrogen-rich manure when cultivating carrots as this can result in a lower quality harvest.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin is a versatile crop that does well in multiple regions but mostly thrives in zones 3-8.

There are hundreds of varieties of pumpkins each differing in size, taste, color, and texture. Choose a variety to plant that best complements your region.

Pumpkins generally take 90-100 days to mature. If you want them to be ready by Halloween plant them by mid-July for a bountiful harvest.

Remember pumpkin plants need to stay consistently hydrated so consider mulching your beds for optimal results. It’s also worth noting that the leaves can sometimes appear wilted in the afternoon heat even if the soil is moist. That’s natural. Resist the urge to overwater the plant as this can cause root rot and the loss of leaves.

Cabbages

When planning crops to grow during July cabbages are among the favorite crops considered by farmers throughout the world. They are very versatile and are available in many varieties that thrive in USDA hardiness zones of 1-10. Just make sure you do your research and pick the type that best suits your zone.

Cabbages are very easy to grow. Plant the seeds in a seed bed and once they’re large enough move the seedlings to the garden. Like pumpkins which also expand substantially as they develop remember to create sufficient room for the cabbages to fill out as they enlarge.

The plant will begin to form a head as fall approaches and will be ready to harvest before winter.

During its growth phase, the plant generally requires at least 6 hours of sunshine. When maturing the cool weather of fall and incoming winter “hardens” the crop and makes it deliciously sweet.