Gardening
Related: About this forumIt's time to start fall seeds
It's important to start this month because the plants need the long days of sun to establish enough growth to produce in the fall.
Usually I will sit around for hours mulling over a planting schedule. This time I asked chatgpt to do it for me and it took about 3". Using the search term "design a planting schedule for July in zone 7b for a fall garden," I got the following, however, I edited it a bit because I thought it was condescending. BF mine.
Chatgpt said:
Here's a general planting schedule for July to help you get started.
1. Early July:
Plant fast-maturing warm-season crops that can still be harvested before the first frost. These may include bush beans, cucumbers, summer squash, and sweet corn.
Start sowing seeds indoors for cool-season crops that will be transplanted later, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Note: I've cleared a raised bed and will just plant my seeds in that for transplanting later.
2. Mid-July:
Sow seeds directly in the garden for heat-tolerant greens like Swiss chard, kale, and collard greens.
Plant second rounds of warm-season crops like bush beans, cucumbers, and summer squash to extend your harvest.
3. Late July:
Start planting transplants of cool-season crops, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage, in prepared garden beds.
Sow seeds directly for fast-growing fall crops like radishes, turnips, and beets.
Plant lettuce varieties that can tolerate heat, such as romaine or leaf lettuce.
I will add the following: I plant another round of tomatoes and basil because I find that a young, strong plant will stand up to the colder weather that's coming in the fall. I will often get tomatoes into November using this method and a row cover, which gives you an add'l 20 degrees. I plant the basil in pots and take them to the front entryway or greenhouse when it gets colder.
In addition, I asked for a hot weather lettuce planting seed list.
1. Black-Seeded Simpson: A popular variety with light green, curled leaves. It's known for its heat resistance and quick growth.
2. Salad Bowl: This variety is a loose-leaf type with attractive, deeply cut green leaves. It's heat-resistant and slow to bolt.
3. Red Sails: This variety has beautiful, red-tinged leaves and performs well in hot climates. It maintains its crispness and flavor even in warmer weather.
4. Jericho: A romaine lettuce variety that is heat-tolerant and slow to bolt. It has an upright growth habit and produces crisp, sweet leaves.
5. Nevada: This lettuce variety has thick, dark green leaves and is known for its heat resistance. It's a good choice for growing in hot conditions.
6. Tom Thumb: If you're looking for a compact lettuce variety suitable for containers or small spaces, Tom Thumb is a great option. It has small, rounded leaves and performs well in hot weather.
GreenWave
(9,463 posts)I now live in 8a without changing addresses.