What Seeds Can I Start In July?

Why July is a Great Time to Start Planting

Starting seeds in July allows gardeners to utilize the warm summer soil and longer daylight hours, promoting faster germination and growth. Additionally, many crops thrive in cooler fall weather, making July planting ideal for a second harvest.

Considerations:

1. Soil Temperature: Warm soil accelerates seed germination.
2. Daylight: Longer days support faster growth during initial stages.
3. Fall Harvest: Many crops prefer the cooler temperatures of fall, resulting in better yields.

Vegetables

1. Beans (Bush and Pole)
   • Maturity: 50-60 days
   • Planting: Direct sowing is preferred as beans do not transplant well.
   • Companion Plants: Corn, cucumber, and radish.
     
2. Beets
   • Maturity: 50-70 days
   • Planting: Direct sowing is ideal.
   • Companion Plants: Lettuce, onions, and brassicas (e.g., broccoli).
     
3. Carrots
   • Maturity: 70-80 days
   • Planting: Direct sowing works best; thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding.
   • Companion Plants: Peas, lettuce, and tomatoes.
     
4. Cucumbers
   • Maturity: 50-70 days
   • Planting: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant carefully.
   • Companion Plants: Beans, peas, and radishes.
     
5. Kale
   • Maturity: 55-75 days
   • Planting: Start indoors and transplant or direct sow.
   • Companion Plants: Beets, celery, and herbs like dill and chamomile.
     
6. Lettuce
   • Maturity: 30-60 days
   • Planting: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
   • Companion Plants: Carrots, radishes, and strawberries.
     
7. Radishes
   • Maturity: 30 days
   • Planting: Direct sowing is best due to quick maturation.
   • Companion Plants: Carrots, cucumbers, and peas.
     
8. Spinach
   • Maturity: 45-60 days
   • Planting: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
   • Companion Plants: Strawberries, radishes, and peas.
     
9. Swiss Chard
   • Maturity: 50-60 days
   • Planting: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
   • Companion Plants: Beans, cabbage, and onions.

Herbs to start in July

1. Basil
   • Maturity: 60-90 days
   • Planting: I like to direct sow these outdoors or into larger containers to bring in during the winter.
   • Companion Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, and oregano.
     
2. Cilantro
   • Maturity: 45-70 days
   • Planting: Direct sowing is recommended.
   • Companion Plants: Spinach, dill, and peas.
     
3. Dill
   • Maturity: 40-60 days
   • Planting: Direct sowing is ideal.
   • Companion Plants: Cabbage, lettuce, and onions.

Flowers

1. Marigolds
   • Maturity: 60-80 days
   • Planting: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
   • Companion Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, and beans (helps deter pests).
2. Sunflowers
   • Maturity: 70-100 days
   • Planting: Direct sowing is best.
   • Companion Plants: Corn, cucumbers, and squash.
3. Zinnias
   • Maturity: 60-70 days
   • Planting: Direct sow or start indoors and transplant.
   • Companion Plants: Tomatoes, beans, and peppers.

Additional Tips:

• Local Weather and Frost Dates: In Cleveland, the first frost typically occurs around mid-October. Monitor weather forecasts to protect plants as needed.
• Extending the Season: Utilize row covers or cold frames to extend the growing season and protect crops from early frost.
• Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-prepared with compost and organic matter to provide essential nutrients for the new plants.

Sources:

• National Gardening Association. (n.d.). Vegetable Gardening
• The Old Farmer’s Almanac. (n.d.). Planting Calendar for Cleveland, Ohio
• University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Companion Planting