In July, Indiana experiences warm temperatures and longer days, which create favorable conditions for growing a variety of plants in your garden. Here are some plants that you can plant during this time:
1. Broccoli: Start seeds of broccoli indoors to later transplant for a fall harvest. Broccoli is a cool-season crop, so starting seeds in July will ensure a timely harvest when the weather cools down.
2. Cabbage: Similar to broccoli, cabbage is a cool-season crop that can be started from seeds indoors. Transplant the seedlings into your garden once they are around 4-6 weeks old.
3. Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts also thrive in cooler temperatures, making them an excellent choice for a fall harvest. Start seeds indoors and transplant them out in about 4-6 weeks.
4. Tomatoes: If you haven’t already planted tomatoes, it’s not too late in July. Look for varieties with shorter maturity dates to ensure a timely harvest before the first frost. Indeterminate varieties can be staked or caged for support.
5. Squash: Both summer and winter squash can be planted in July. Summer squash, such as zucchini and yellow squash, can be harvested in a short time, while winter squash, like butternut and acorn squash, will take longer to mature.
6. Okra: Okra loves the heat and can be sown directly into the garden in July. Make sure you provide them with plenty of water during dry spells as they are quite drought-tolerant.
7. Peppers: Start pepper seeds indoors to give them a head start. Once the seedlings are around 8-10 weeks old and the soil has warmed up, transplant them into your garden. Choose varieties that suit your taste, from sweet bell peppers to spicy jalapenos.
8. Beans: Continue succession planting of bush beans to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the summer. Sow a new batch of seeds every two weeks to extend your bean harvest.
9. Cucumbers: Cucumbers are fast-growing and can be sown directly into the garden in July. Provide them with a trellis or other support to save space and improve air circulation.
10. Sweet Corn: Complete succession planting of sweet corn to prolong your harvest. Plant a new row of corn every 10-14 days for a continuous supply of fresh corn.
Remember to provide your plants with adequate water, especially during dry spells. Mulching around your plants can help conserve moisture and suppress weed growth. Regularly inspect your plants for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action to protect them.
In my experience as a gardener, I have successfully grown many of these plants in July in Indiana. The key is to provide them with the right conditions, including proper watering, sunlight, and soil preparation. Don’t be afraid to try new varieties or experiment with different planting techniques to find what works best for you and your garden. Happy gardening!
