Welcome to Jamie’s July gardening tips! While you are enjoying the summer sun, it is the perfect time to look ahead. Believe it or not, it is time to start planning your fall garden! Getting your seeds and soil ready now ensures a successful harvest later in the year.
July is a crucial month for both maintaining your current garden and preparing for the next season. Plant that big pumpkin for Halloween now. You should also keep your grass from going to seed to manage your lawn. It is also wise to fallow soil to conserve moisture for germination of fall crops and help reduce the nematode population in the soil. Be sure to clean off harvested rows immediately to prevent insect and disease buildup.
Here are Jamie’s top tips for July planting and maintenance:
- Plant Now for Fall: Plant the following vegetables no later than July 20 to allow time to mature before frost: tomatoes, okra, corn, pole beans and lima beans. You can also plant cucumbers, squash, and snap beans.
- Water Smart: Water deeply and less often as needed to prevent drought stress. This encourages strong root growth.
- Mulch Your Garden: Keep your garden well mulched to prevent weeds and conserve moisture. A good layer of mulch is your best defense against the summer heat.
Stop by your local Steinhauser’s for all the seeds, soil, and tools you need to make your summer and fall gardens a success