10 Crops to Sow in July

Despite the heat, July is the perfect time to start planning for your fall harvests. Here are some of our favorite crops we are sowing on our farm this month.

Direct Sow:

1.  Dill: It’s not too late to prepare for those late summer pickles. Since dill seeds need warm soil to germinate, July is a great time to direct sow. The leaves can be harvested as soon as they are big enough, and the plant will continue to grow into the fall as the temperature drops, giving you plenty of time to harvest the seedheads.

2.  Sunflowers: The traditional fall flower. Plant sunflower seeds now to enjoy beautiful color (and maybe a tasty snack) throughout the fall.

3.  Nasturtium: This edible flower adds a nice pop of color to the garden or flower arrangements long after other annuals have died back. Harvest the blooms and leaves for a tasty addition to salad or pickle the green seed pods like capers. Make sure to keep the plants well-watered on hot days.

4.  Root Crops (Carrots, Parsnips, Turnips, Rutabaga, Beets): Root crops are a traditional addition to harvest parties and holiday celebrations, and for good reason; freezing temps really bring out the flavor. Plant these root crops now and allow them to experience a few frosts, and you will get the sweetest, tastiest harvest throughout the fall and into winter.

5.  Peas: Now is the perfect time to start your succession planting of peas, and the flavor will only get better as the temperatures drop! Whether you’re growing sugar snaps or snow peas, the fall is primetime for a delicious snack straight from the garden.

6.  Lettuce: If you’ve been missing the sweet flavor of homegrown lettuce due to the heat of summer, your wait is almost over. Lettuce thrives at cooler temperatures, and now is the perfect time to plant for a bountiful and delicious fall harvest.

Transplant:

1.  Broccoli & Cauliflower: Broccoli and cauliflower should be planted indoors about 4-8 weeks before your area’s average first fall frost. This allows the heads to form as the temperatures begin to drop, leading to better formation and flavor.

2.  Cabbage: Start cabbage indoors now and transplant out 4-5 weeks later for harvests throughout the fall. Stick with early-season cultivars. Like most of these crops, a light frost really makes the sweetness come alive, making cabbage an excellent addition to your fall garden and your holiday dishes.

3.  Pansies: Pansies love the cool fall weather and are an excellent way to bring color to your garden as summer annuals begin to fade. We recommend succession planting pansies to keep the color going late into the fall. The flowers are edible, making them a wonderful garnish for harvest feasts.

4.  Bunching Onions: If you’re not succession planting bunching onions into the fall, you’re really missing out! Start indoors about 4 weeks before you intend to transplant out. Extend your growing (and harvest) season by covering as the temperatures continue to drop. You may even be able to overwinter them for harvest in the spring.

As summer heats up, don’t forget to look forward to the fall – you don’t want to miss out on all the wonderful flavors and colors of the season! Happy growing!

Author: Ashley W.