GROW RARE SEEDS | What To Grow In July In Northern Gardens

July is not too late to plant many amazing heirloom varieties in USDA Zones from the far north to the mid-South. Baker Creek horticulturist Shannie McCabe shares her favorites and dispenses some essential advice for good growing in July!
Highlighted varieties:
Muncher cucumber
Parisian Pickling cucumber
Japanese Long cucumber
Thai basil
Genovese basil
Purple Prince zinnia
Bright Lights cosmos
Roma II bean
Golden Butterwax bean
Purple Teepee bean
Lemon squash
New England Sugar Pie pumpkin
Sugar Baby watermelon
Kaho watermelon
Super Schmelz kohlrabi
Kalibos cabbage
Cour di Bue cabbage
Green Macerata cauliflower
Romanesco broccoli
Oxheart carrot
Chioggia beet
Detroit Dark Red beet

[@moonshynegirl172]

It was in the high 80's-90's for two weeks. Now all of a sudden it's in the 60's and 70's. This years weather has my head spinning.

[@Jo_mommah]

Same. And here in Kentucky it’s cool and rainy everyday for the last week.. and the next week supposedly 😬

[@julemyles5964]

In Ohio…my leaves are burning midday but over night my soil gets too cold!!!

[@Jo_mommah]

@@julemyles5964 Yep it’s wild for sure! I’m thankful for my microclimate on a ridge it helps a little.

[@STMARTIN009]

Here in Massachusetts it's been cooler with tons of rain. Lots of flooding

[@STMARTIN009]

I am central Massachusetts. That is definitely zone 5. This July has been cooler than normal with the rain.

[@324kca]

Great video! Thanks from Onatrio Canada. Great info, efficiently and effectively spoken. Much appreciated!!

[@dariustheone5109]

Non-Frost Tolerant: Beans Cucumbers Zucchini Sugar Pie Pumpkin Spaghetti Squash Thai Sweet Basil Genovese Basil Zinnias Cosmos Bright Lights Watermelon (Early Variety) Frost Tolerant: Brassicas (Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Kohlrabi) - Start indoors/Under shade cloth Swiss Chard Beats - Plant if summer is mild/Use shade cloth Carrots - Plant if summer is mild/Use shade cloth

[@marilynryan7822]

Darius TheOne thx👩🏼‍🌾

[@carybradley3968]

Turnips?

[@jerricroft937]

@@carybradley3968 Hakurei

[@macktonight9511]

thanks for the list nobody asked for

[@cindyskillman544]

Thanks!

[@ramz1455]

I like the 2x4 method with carrots...pick a spot..loosen it, water it and scarcely sow your carrot seeds on the surface then place your 2x4 or a wooden board ontop of them. That will keep them moist, cool and the wood keeps them from washing out. Ive tried it in a small space to experiment and I have baby leaves on my carrots lol

[@andrewwright2705]

Thank you for the valuable information!

[@cindyskillman544]

I would REALLY appreciate an approximate maturity time on the seed packets as we here have a very short season.

[@kittyberg9988]

I write it myself because I forget

[@asmranonymous8591]

They deliberately don't list days to maturity for most of their seeds. They say that it is different for everyone based on their specific gardening situation - container vs in-ground, soil type (sandy/clay/loam), sun/shade levels, fertilizers used, sea level/elevation, indoor starting for transplants vs direct sowing, micro climates, etc. There are just way too many variables and it is different for everyone. For example, my next door neighbor and I garden differently but at the same time. He has had cucumbers and zucchini for several weeks and I have had none yet. I have gotten over 100 tomatoes already and he has only gotten 3. (I also had 100 day potatoes ready at 60 days.) You can always Google any seeds you are curious about to get an estimate.

[@tonic4747]

So true! Surprised they overlooked it.

[@RebeccaPiperDelgadoPM]

Thank you, you have inspired me that there is still time! Love your videos.

[@lunkerpond9765]

Great video Shannie, very useful information.

[@ctgardener6026]

You are rockin’ that hat. Thanks for all the info!

[@CTR6067]

Thank you for this video. 👏👏👏 I’m Northern Minnesota and appreciate the discussion specific to my area.

[@alexandrakreiman2115]

Thank you sincerely from 4B, Billings, MT!

[@micheleleone3872]

I'm new to gardening and I have to say, by watching your videos, I've learned so much. Thank you!

[@AriaDiamond]

Thanks for the summer solstice info, I didn't realize!

[@amieecheverria2369]

Shanny, THANK YOU for doing this video and addressing planting after the solstice, and for addressing babying those veggies in our hot climates so we can get a fall harvest. Last year I started everything too late in my zone 5b garden and it was disappointing, but a learning experience!

[@ienekevanhouten4559]

Nice tip about adding days to maturity after solstice. There is so much variation from year to year. After a few summers of raging fires and day time temperatures of 30 or more we have not even seen 25 this year. Zone 5, South Eastern corner ob B.C. As for starting seeds, I prestart nearly everything in the greenhouse, as taught by Charles Dowding.

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

Good job young lady. Best wishes Bob.

[@LouisPhilip9]

Love your videos, they are well made and informative, many blessings !

[@acolley2891]

Great tips about solstice and planting depth. Already planted kholrabi & Purple Prince Zinnias can't wait!

[@LockRocker]

Thank you for bringing up the solstice factor, nobody does that!

[@CallieBoingBoing]

Thanks Shanny! Great info' for North Idaho. Keep up the great work!

[@lindseyb1421]

Thank you. 💕

[@gvas7560]

I am growing those purple zinnias here in the south, zone 8a, they are doing great. Out of all the zennia vatietirs I planted, these are the most vibrant and tall of all. I will definitely continue to grow them. Keep up the good work God bless you

[@SmokeyJoe613]

I love your videos very informative, I buy seeds from baker creek I love there seed catalogs,I need that hat,thanks again for the video.

[@hudmond]

Thanks so much, very well articulated and helpful information!

[@Just-Nikki]

I mean...who doesn’t love Prince 🤷🏻‍♀️💗🤘

[@noirprncess]

Thanks for breaking this out by zones!

[@merlin6625]

Hello Shanny, good informative video 📹. I like Baker Creek seeds, I've had great success with them. I'll keep buying them to fortify my gardens. Blessings to you 🙏

[@prisk1970]

I didn't realize you guys had a channel. :) I love all the seeds I have bought from you guys. New to gardening so I appreciate the vids

[@rosea830]

Thanks!

[@henryviera7825]

Pennsylvania is zone 6, because the east coast is generally warmer then the central united states. If you look at the grow zone map, its shaped like a U because of that

[@raegem9392]

Thank you for the great video!

[@kimtbarnes]

Love!!

[@rohinisrs]

Thank you, this was very helpful.

[@kristendaniels5656]

I am just watching this video on 7/6/21. I live in New Hampshire (zone 5b) and let me tell ya ... this year has been an absolute dumpster fire as far as the weather is concerned. Very erratic. We can go from high 90s one day to rainy and low 50s the following day. It has been interesting to say the least

[@SSolemn]

same here in WI....

[@thomaswilliams1542]

Love the hat

[@RareSeedsBC]

Thank you! It is really saving my skin!

[@denko44]

I'm in 8B Pac NW, I think the this video applies more to me than the one for southern growers. Doesn't get very cold, but also doesn't get super hot either 😏.

[@lorisanford8515]

I was looking at some of the comments before I ask her that question I live in Oregon 8B we're kind of in between the North that she's talking about in the South that she's talking about I'm kind of confused on what to do I'm thinking the same as you go by the North planting 😊🌻

[@denko44]

@@lorisanford8515 I'm in western WA myself, I'll be doing the same.

[@RareSeedsBC]

I knew I would get comments and questions from PNW growers... I suggest following the northern suggestions :)

[@trishabrinkdesign]

Yep, same. Very northwestern Wa. here and 8A...we are blessed with one of those almost perfect growing conditions😊 Thanks for the info. Just planted my brassica seeds last Sunday indoors. It worked perfectly for me last year. I’m LOVING the green macerata cauliflower you recommended!!! It’s been awesome!!👍👍

[@melissagannon5711]

Yes hot short summer. Mild winter. Great for perennials

[@chrisruiz3998]

Thank you for telling us about monthly planting guide by state

[@edibleacres]

Great info here. Thank you! Maybe you want to edit the description to include a link directly to your seed offerings... Folks are probably very excited to order the amazing things you've got!

[@RareSeedsBC]

Great suggestion!

[@rebeccam1392]

I just started broccoli in small pots outside, they are growing great and not too leggy.

[@RareSeedsBC]

Great to hear it!

[@ecthelion1735]

Yeah, Puget Sound basin is 8b, just like the south (wrt frost), but we're extremely mild.

[@rachelstrahan2486]

👍

[@ThePaPappy]

I love you for your mind, ( I'm too old to love you for anything else) 😁👴👴 Love the eating pumpkins, I have "The Frugal Gourmet cooks American". Great recipe for a pumpkin soup made right in the pumpkin, think it was Thomas Jefferson's recipe ?? . You have to have the eating pumpkin and not the large meatless Jack o' lantern pumpkins that many seeds are....a lot of people don't know there is a difference. Read the package carefully. Makes a tasty soup served right in the shell , excellent in a Thanksgiving dinner.

[@mariecooney2331]

I do wish there was a link for all these suggestions that sends you to the order page! But Thank you for this!

[@threegoodeyes7400]

I started to watch the what to plant in July for southern gardeners, because although I’m in the “north” I’m in zone 8b. But here in the Portland OR area, it’s been a pretty chilly beginning of summer. So when I heard you talking about having tentative first frost dates in December in the region you were in, it reminded me of how growing was when I lived in the Bay Area CA zone 9b. So I thought I should probably watch the northern video instead. Our growing season here is apparently really fickle and open ended. This is my first year growing here and the average frost dates have such a varying degree of difference, that I could have a huge and long growing season, or a kinda short one, depending on the year. At least that’s what I’m gathering so far in my experience here. We had our coldest temps of “winter” this year in early-mid November when it dropped down to the early 20’s for a few days. But never got quite that cold during the actual winter. Now we only have been without nights below 50 for a couple of weeks now, so a lot of warm weather crops have been piddling along and not really growing for me yet. So anyways, this northern guide video didn’t really apply to me either. So I guess I’m just gonna have to watch both and do my best to piece together some semblance of an attack plan for my next couple waves of planting. 😆. This is confusing and kinda scary (I hate messing up) but also really exciting because this is the first time I’m gardening in a home I own. The possibilities seem endless and I’m just really jazzed about this years growing season, no matter how it all pans out for me.

[@lorisanford8515]

I feel exactly the same way I'm in Tualatin Oregon and I'm in an apartment so I'm doing large container gardening but still I'm in the same situation of not knowing when it's too late to plant something when it's too early to plan something I don't know we're just kind of in the middle😊

[@stephanied9112]

The free app Seed to Spoon has helped me know when to plant for my zone. I love it as it's tricky to know when to begin seeds.

[@lorisanford8515]

@@toheaveninjoy oh wow that's cool, yeah I'm on the third floor in my apartment in my balcony gets the sun almost all day it's crazy and my front porch is mostly shade a little bit of sun so I have a little bit of choice there which is a good thing 😊

[@lorisanford8515]

@@toheaveninjoy Eugene's a nice place to live, I live here in Tualatin for 20 years longest I've ever lived anywhere I like it here pretty well except for all that traffic up and down Tualatin Sherwood Road pretty crazy but a nice place to live 💗

[@lorisanford8515]

@@stephanied9112 thanks for that tip Stephanie I want to try it 😊

[@searose6192]

I would really appreciate a video like this with recommendations for those with short summer growing seasons (I am in 8b, but we don’t get any heat until August, then frost returns in October.)

[@melissagannon5711]

Exactly!

[@loricochran4692]

Bliss.

[@loricochran4692]

Cannn I geta job. In cali?

[@RareSeedsBC]

Our Petaluma Seed Bank is closed to the public at this time to keep our staff and customers safe. Maybe there will be some openings sometime in the future though.

[@49lucky]

I'm in 6a and I'm planting everything again lol

[@Just-Nikki]

Luddenis wishes 6a here and still succession planting. We have plenty of time

[@rockyschannel6816]

You know what I got the pumpkin seeds from you in the winter and meant to plant them earlier but they just sprouted maybe 3 weeks ago plans are about 5 inches tall. Can I plant the muncher seeds now in zone 6? I am so happy I wasn’t sure if I would have time to get pumpkins

[@mlevari]

howdy!!!!:)

[@davidawilliams252]

New York City borough Queens is 7b

[@lorisanford8515]

I live in Oregon Tualatin Oregon and I feel like I'm kind of in between the North and the South cuz I'm 8B we have pretty mild weather here but it can surprise us at times. So I'm wondering what should apply to oregonians cuz we're Northwest should we go by the North or should we go by the south in zone 8 ??? Thank you for making this video 😊

[@RareSeedsBC]

Go by the northern recommendations, I also suggest that you check with your regional University agricultural extension to find a good planting calendar for your region!

[@blakelenoir8474]

Back once again Shannon, this time with dealing with cross pollination. I'm in Chicago in zone 5, and I've grown Illinois Tamaroa white flour corn and Miami red corn, a similar type to Miami white flour corn, both native to my community and region. I've already grown in those types of corn and how we hand pollinate the corn to avoid cross pollination. I'm also trying to preserve a squash from the Miami tribe, as well as some beans also from them. Since most of my corn, beans, squash and stuff been put into the ground, is it at all safe to add in new corn and squash for a short time till the rest show up by fall in time to harvest? Peace always!

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Best way to avoid cross pollination, is a good deal of distance from any source of it. There also is some kind of bag you can get to cover flowers with tidely, then hand pollinate and return that same covering for the flowers of seeds you want to save.

[@RareSeedsBC]

for zone 5 you probably wont have enough time left to get a crop :(

[@bethatz252]

Great info. I live in Minnesota zone 4 & have never planted anything after mid June except leaf lettuce. What temperature do you consider intense heat. Right now we're having temps in the low 90s with 90% humidity.

[@Just-Nikki]

Beth Atz 90’s and above is considered intense heat 🙂

[@RareSeedsBC]

90's and above would be considered intense heat!

[@melissagannon5711]

I thought growing zone was about winter hardiness. I'm zone 8b and can overwinter s many perennials. But my growing season is may to oct. Maybe

[@ladyryan902]

Hello...I am wondering if you will do a southern garden compatible to this ? Thankyou

[@RareSeedsBC]

Definitely! You can find it under the video titled "What To Plant In Southern Gardens In July."

[@megiramos9695]

I direct sowed my broccoli's in June. Too soon? Or will they be alright? Would it be ok to plant Daikon Radish now? I'm completely oblivious to how long they should take, along with turnips. ❤

[@RareSeedsBC]

All that would depend on where you are located and your zone, it would be best to send us a direct message on Facebook or instagram and we can work with you from there! :)

[@tanahiveley2887]

I want to know about flowers.

[@organiccleanfoodconnection]

What organic spray do you use for squash bugs? Thanks

[@RareSeedsBC]

neem oil/extract works well

[@sowmindful1501]

Shannie! You’ve got the perfect hat, I would like one just like that! So much shade! May I ask where you got it? I sadly have to customer order hats because my head is a little large. Thank you!

[@RareSeedsBC]

The hat was purchased at a local grocery store. Wish I knew where to send you for a hat just like it.

[@sowmindful1501]

@@RareSeedsBC No worries, thank you though!

[@reginaldanglin4264]

How about Chicago!!!🙂

[@RareSeedsBC]

This advice should work for you!

[@kristinebryant3221]

I'm in zone 6a (Kansas City), when you say "plant" do you mean seeds in the ground or transplants?

[@RareSeedsBC]

She is referring to direct seed on most of them, but on some like the cabbages, she specifies starting them under cooler conditions now and transplanting in a few weeks.

[@japaneseflea]

do a what to grow at zip code ##### lat and long at 2pm under cloudy conditions if a bird flies over

[@julemyles5964]

Still waiting for this vid!

[@sageclark5473]

I only have 117 days in my growing season so unless I start my winter squash in the very beginning of summer.

[@RareSeedsBC]

Yes it is important to know your frost free dates when it comes to winter squash!

[@arnorrian1]

A small remark: Chiggia is pronounced as Kyojah.

[@RareSeedsBC]

Thank you! I always struggle pronouncing it!

[@Just-Nikki]

Shannie, I moved to MO a few years ago and I haven’t successfully grown squash family ...the squash bugs are intense here! I’m trying to wait out their lifecycle this year, can you suggest a timeframe for that since Bakers Creek is also in MO? Suggestions from anyone in the area are welcome 🙏

[@RareSeedsBC]

We plant our squash late (early- mid July) to miss the lifecycle

[@Just-Nikki]

RareSeeds thanks 😀

[@Happywarrior100]

Gurl! Where did you that wide brim hat??! Gotta find one like it!

[@BobMelsimpleliving.]

Me too.

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Looks Mexican, or from any warm country.

[@ambersutton5716]

Me too

[@megiramos9695]

I want to know too! We all need that in our life with the intense sun and heat!

[@bendyzebrafarm9921]

I need one too

[@kaiteemitchell9453]

Where do I find a hat like yours? I need one of those! 😁

[@RareSeedsBC]

It was purchased at a local grocery store. :)

[@deadlittlebunny]

I'm in San Francisco, and we are a zone 10b. Should I be watching the northern or southern videos?

[@jturtle5318]

South

[@RareSeedsBC]

Southern!

[@anniemaymcneely2013]

Really ? Two ppl felt the need to dislike this video ?

[@ihopeugrow]

First ball prostate lol

[@katrinalee3285]

Then you get us northerners in Oregon that are zone 8 lol

[@RareSeedsBC]

yep! Youre in a funky zone, I suggest follow the northern suggestions.

[@alisonwestermann1875]

Any tips on kohlrabi? Mine always goes to seed. I'm in 5b.

[@jturtle5318]

Are you watering it reguregularly? Using mulch and some fertilizer?

[@RareSeedsBC]

kohlrabi generally doesnt bulb due to it being too hot or being exposed to frost, or low water or soil nutrition.

[@Lily2U1515]

Please let us know where you got that hat sister?!

[@RareSeedsBC]

The hat came from a latin American grocery store in South Apopka, Florida called La Taxequeña

[@donnarichey144]

Do you sell turmeric to plant?

[@RareSeedsBC]

We do sell it in Spring time on our website on the live plant section

[@therealz360z7]

Take the watermelon of the list! Ain't happening

[@brettarsenault6573]

My god she is gorgeous! Tell me more about what to plant...

[@annegrant3519]

Where did you get your hat

[@RareSeedsBC]

The hat came from a latin American grocery store in South Apopka, Florida called La Taxequeña

[@stephanier1336]

My kohlrabi isn’t forming a ball, I am not sure what I am doing wrong!?

[@jturtle5318]

When did you plant it?

[@RareSeedsBC]

generally thats cause by the plants being exposed to frost, if its too hot, if they are spaced too closely together, or if they are not getting enough water or nutrition

[@user-di6cn2ne7u]

I'm in Canada, but zone 8 . Zones are so odd lol

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Where would zone 8 be in Canada?? .....sounds pretty southern actually.

[@user-di6cn2ne7u]

@@heidimisfeldt5685 South Western Ontario (Like london) is 8b , and where I live now on Vancouver island is also a zone 8 . So , southern for Canada but more norther than any of the "up north" states she talks about .

[@dacebruz2626]

Sierra Marini The west was going to be my guess. I live in upstate Ny, 1 hour from Canada. My zone is 6a

[@user-di6cn2ne7u]

@@dacebruz2626 even London Ontario, not far from NY is 8b

[@RareSeedsBC]

Yes it can be confusing! I am referring to USDA hardiness zones, Vancouver Island would be good to follow the northern suggestions!

[@jackieback6172]

J

[@lannguyen-pu1db]

Please get out of my list . I was looking for zone 5 plants.

[@wongthong7]

Most of your seeds are sold out!!

[@RareSeedsBC]

Yes that is true! I did make sure to only mention varieties that are in stock.

[@sammer28]

@@RareSeedsBC When can we expect new stock to order for next year? I'm pretty far north in Canada and want to get a bunch ordered as soon as I can. Plus I want Red hats to grow indoors over the winter

[@macktonight9511]

marry me