July in the Florida Garden
Surviving the Swelter & Savoring the Sunshine
Welcome to the heart of summer! July in Central Florida is bold, bright, and brimming with life—and humidity. While we may be tempted to retreat into air conditioning, our gardens are thriving (and thirsty!). This month is all about smart maintenance, summer-hardy crops, and preparing for the quieter planting season ahead.
Read on for this month’s best tips, tasks, and timely reminders.
Weather Watch: Hot Days, Heavy Rains
In July, expect average highs in the low to mid 90s, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Rainfall can easily top 7–8 inches, making it important to monitor for both drought stress and root rot.
Garden Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. And remember—mulch is your best friend!
What to Plant This Month
While July isn’t the biggest planting month in Florida, there are still some heat-lovers you can confidently grow:
Southern Staples to Start Now:
Okra – thrives in heat and humidity
Sweet Potatoes – plant slips now for a fall harvest
Black-eyed Peas – a traditional summer cover crop
Everglades Tomatoes – a Florida native that laughs at the heat
Malabar Spinach – a climbing, heat-tolerant green that doubles as edible ornamental
Pollinator Pick:
Try planting sunflowers or zinnias to attract bees and butterflies and add bursts of color to the midsummer garden.
Harvest Highlights
Still producing? Enjoy it while it lasts!
Harvest herbs like basil, oregano, and mint regularly to prevent bolting.
Eggplants and peppers may still produce through early July.
If you planted watermelon or cantaloupe in spring, keep an eye out—they may ripen this month!
Mid-Summer Tasks
Clean and sharpen tools now during the garden lull.
Test your soil to prepare for the fall planting season.
Replenish mulch around beds to help hold moisture and suppress weeds.
Let some herbs go to seed for pollinators—or to save seed for fall.
Pinch back leggy growth on summer greens like Malabar and Okinawa spinach.
Reminder: Fertilizer Blackout Still in Effect
If you live in a coastal Florida county like Manatee, Pinellas, or Hillsborough, remember:
No nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizers allowed from June 1 – September 30.
This law helps protect Florida’s waterways from nutrient pollution during heavy summer rains. Focus on compost, mulch, and seaweed sprays instead.
Looking Ahead to Fall
July is a great time to start planning your fall garden, especially if you’re dreaming of tomatoes, kale, carrots, and other cool-season favorites.
Begin sketching your fall layout, ordering seeds, and prepping any new raised beds you want to add before August.
Ask the Garden Coach
Got a question about pests, pruning, or what to plant next?
Send me a message here and I might feature it in next month’s newsletter!
July Gardening Inspiration
“The greatest fine art of the future will be the making of a comfortable living from a small piece of land.”
— Abraham Lincoln
July may be hot and hectic, but every moment you spend in the garden—watering, harvesting, or simply watching bees dance—is an act of resilience and joy.
Stay rooted, stay hydrated, and keep growing.
~L.S.