July is a month of intense activity in the garden. Although it is a very hot month in most of Spain, it is the key moment to prepare for autumn and winter crops while maintaining the summer ones in full production.
Here is a guide on what you can plant or sow in July:
1. Direct Sowing (in the ground)
In July, you can sow directly into the ground fast-cycle vegetables or those that take advantage of the heat to germinate, provided you ensure constant watering:
- Carrots: This is an excellent time to sow new batches.
- Green beans: You can continue planting bush or pole varieties to harvest at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
- Zucchini: If you sow them now, you will have produce before the first frosts arrive.
- Cucumbers: They grow very quickly in the heat.
- Chard: They are very resistant and tolerate the July heat well if kept well-watered.
- Radishes: Very short cycle; you can harvest them in just a month.
2. Seedbed (to transplant later)
July is the ideal month to prepare vegetables in seedbeds that will occupy the garden in autumn and winter. Since these plants will be outdoors in the middle of summer, they will need shade and high humidity:
- Cabbages (Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage): It is the perfect time to sow them so they are ready to be transplanted at the end of August or September.
- Leeks: Sow in seedbeds now to transplant in autumn.
- Celery: It benefits from starting in a protected seedbed.
3. Transplants
If you have purchased seedlings from a nursery or already have them ready from your seedbed, you can transplant:
- Tomatoes: Especially if you live in areas where autumn is not extremely cold, you can plant late-season seedlings.
- Peppers and Eggplants: If the plant is vigorous, they still have time to bear fruit before temperatures drop.
Key Tips for the Garden in July
Water Management: With high temperatures, irrigation is vital. Use mulching with straw or bark on the soil to prevent moisture from evaporating and to keep the roots cool.
- Irrigation: Always water early in the morning or at dusk. Avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent the appearance of fungi.
- Protection: If the sun is very intense, consider using shade cloth over the most delicate crops to prevent them from burning or suffering from thermal stress.
- Harvesting: It is the month of highest production. Pick the fruits (tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers) as soon as they reach their optimal point; this will encourage the plant to continue producing new fruits.
