Seed Sowing for a Bountiful Garden in July
Introduction
July is an ideal time to continue expanding your garden by sowing seeds for vegetables, herbs, and flowers. With the warm temperatures and ample sunlight, many plants thrive and produce delicious harvests or beautiful blooms.
Vegetables to Sow in July
Kohlrabi:
This unique-looking vegetable is easy to grow and provides a delicate, slightly sweet taste. Sow seeds directly in July, making sure to thin out seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Harvest kohlrabi when the swollen stems reach tennis-ball size.
Welsh Onion:
Welsh onions are a versatile alternative to chives. Sow seeds thinly in rows in well-drained soil. They can be harvested young for salads or left to mature for use in various dishes.
Swiss Chard:
Swiss chard is a leafy green that provides spinach-like leaves throughout the growing season. Sow seeds in a sunny spot with fertile soil. Thin seedlings to allow for healthy growth.
Winter Radishes:
For a spicy addition to salads and stews, sow winter radish seeds in July. These radishes grow larger than summer radishes and can be stored for later use.
Herbs to Sow in July
Parsley:
Parsley is a nutritious herb that can be used in many dishes. Sow seeds in shallow drills in moist soil. Keep soil well-watered until germination occurs.
Sorrel:
Sorrel is a perennial herb with a tangy flavor that adds a unique touch to salads, soups, and omelets. Sow seeds in containers or well-prepared soil in full sun or partial shade.
Biennial Flowers to Sow in July
Sweet Rocket:
This fragrant biennial flower attracts butterflies and bees with its abundant white or purple blooms. Sow seeds directly in raked soil in sun or partial shade.
Honesty:
Honesty is an old-fashioned favorite that adds spring color to borders and attracts pollinators. Sow seeds in well-prepared soil in partial shade in June or early July.
Sweet Williams:
Sweet Williams are vibrant cottage garden stalwarts that come in a variety of colors. Sow seeds directly in July in moist, well-drained soil. Thin out seedlings to allow for optimal growth.
Tips for Sustainable Gardening
Use Peat-Free Compost:
When sowing seeds, opt for peat-free compost to improve the sustainability of your gardening practices. Peat-free compost can be purchased online or at nurseries and garden centers.
Make Your Own Compost:
For the most environmentally friendly option, make your own compost using a mixture of leaf mould and garden compost or soil. This provides a low-nutrient, free-draining medium that is ideal for seed sowing.
Conclusion
By following these tips and sowing seeds in July, you can reap the rewards of delicious harvests and beautiful blooms throughout the growing season and beyond.
