My July kitchen garden tips are all about embracing the season! We’ve reached the unofficial beginning of our summer rainy season, and it’s the perfect time to get more active in the garden. I know it might sound surprising, but trust me, July presents a fantastic opportunity to rejuvenate your raised garden beds and plans. In our Phoenix zone 10a, the monsoon rains offer a second chance to grow various crops after those planted in March and early April have already been harvested.
Why Monsoon Season is Ideal for Planting
Many seed varieties have adapted over centuries to thrive with the sudden burst of seasonal moisture and warm temperatures typical of late June through July. This means you can start planting heat-tolerant varieties right now, as both soil and ambient temperatures are favorable for growth.
Top Choices for Your July Kitchen Garden
When considering what to plant, think of your ABC’s – Amaranth, Beans, Corn, and Squash. These crops – known as the Three Sisters Garden – are particularly well-suited for this season. Varieties native to Southern Arizona and Northwest Mexico, where the North American monsoon is prevalent, perform exceptionally well.
Seed Sourcing Tips
For optimal results, choose seed varieties with short growing seasons that can make the most of the few moist months ahead. I highly recommend exploring the Monsoon Collection at Native Seeds. You can find their seed selection HERE.
What to Plant in July
While transplanting established plants in the sweltering heat can be risky, starting seeds now can help your plants acclimate to the climate and thrive during the monsoon season. Here are some seeds I’m starting in July, along with a few transplants robust enough to handle our summer heat:
Summer Seeds
- Snap Beans
- Carrot
- Cantaloupe
- Black Eyed Peas
- Pumpkins
- Winter Squash
- Sunflowers – click HERE to get my sunflower growing tips
Summer Transplants
- Green Onion
- Shallots
- Peppers
- Zinnia
- Sweet Potato
Bonus Kitchen Garden Tips
I always use water trays for my seed starting. They’re helpful because you can water from the bottom, leaving the seeds in their cozy spots and undisrupted. If you’re starting your seeds in reusable pots, make sure to clean between seed starts to prevent pests and disease. And don’t forget to label your seed starts! New seedlings of various types often look alike, and labeling them will help you decide the right location to transplant them in your kitchen garden. Lastly, if you do not have space to start seeds outside, you can start them inside using grow lamps.
This month, I encourage you to take advantage of the our Phoenix monsoon dseason and experiment! What new kitchen garden crop will you try your hand at in July?
I hope you’ve found my July kitchen garden tips helpful, and wish you all a happy and productive garden!
Vickie
I would love to help you cultivate your green thumb! To book a consultation, click the link on the PKG homepage or call 602-722-7971.
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