As we move into July, the gardening season in Zone 10A presents unique challenges and opportunities. The weather is hot and humid, with temperatures often soaring, making garden work slow down considerably.
However, the need to get out there and clean up the yard is never-ending. With the start of the rainy season, almost daily rains provide a much-needed cooling effect in the afternoons.
If you’re wondering what vegetables to plant, my planting calendar tells me the list is pretty short, but there are still options to consider.
What to Plant in July
In reality, July is too hot to start many plants from seed. However, there are a few hardy vegetables that can thrive in these conditions. Okra, Southern peas, and cowpeas can be started this month.
Sweet potatoes, from slips (rooted cuttings), can also be planted. These plants are well-suited to the heat and can handle the intense summer sun.
While it’s too hot in the summer months to plant herbs from seeds, you can still purchase small plants of mint, basil, or oregano and transplant them into your garden.
If you’re looking to plant something more tropical, consider boniato, calabaza, and chayote. These tropical vegetables are adapted to hot climates and can do well in the summer heat.
Boniato
Boniato, also known as batata or Cuban sweet potato, is a tropical root vegetable that thrives in hot climates, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in Zone 10A.
This vegetable has a reddish to purplish skin and creamy white flesh that becomes slightly dry and flaky when cooked, unlike the moist texture of traditional sweet potatoes. Its mildly sweet, nutty flavor is versatile, suitable for both sweet and savory dishes.
Boniato is well-suited to the warm temperatures and humid conditions typical of Zone 10A. It grows best in well-drained, sandy soil and requires regular watering to ensure healthy root development.
You can start boniato from slips (rooted cuttings) or by planting pieces of the root itself, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart in full sun. Harvesting typically occurs about 4-5 months after planting, when the leaves begin to yellow and die back.
This unique vegetable can be boiled, baked, roasted, or mashed, adding a delicious and nutritious twist to your garden’s bounty.
Calabaza
Calabaza, also known as West Indian pumpkin, is a tropical squash that thrives in the warm, humid conditions of Zone 10A. This vegetable features a hard, mottled green to orange rind and sweet, orange flesh.
Its flavor is similar to butternut squash, making it a versatile ingredient for a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pies and casseroles.
Calabaza grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
To plant calabaza, sow the seeds about 1 inch deep and space them 3-4 feet apart to give the sprawling vines plenty of room to grow. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells, to ensure healthy development. Calabaza typically takes about 3-4 months to mature.
You can harvest the fruits when they are fully colored and the skin is hard. This tropical squash not only enhances your garden with its robust growth but also provides a delicious and nutritious addition to your summer meals.
Chayote
Chayote, also known as vegetable pear or mirliton, is a tropical gourd that flourishes in the hot and humid climate of Zone 10A. This vegetable has a light green, wrinkled skin and crisp, pale flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Chayote can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to stews.
Chayote is well-suited to the warm conditions of Zone 10A, thriving in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
To plant chayote, use the entire fruit, placing it about 4-6 inches deep in the soil with the wider end facing down. Space the plants about 10-12 feet apart to allow for vigorous vine growth.
Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, to support healthy development. Chayote typically takes several months to mature, with harvests continuing into the cooler months.
The vigorous vines and prolific yield of chayote make it a valuable addition to any garden, providing a continuous supply of fresh, nutritious vegetables.
Preparing for Hurricane Season
As we head into the height of the rainy season, it’s crucial to prepare your yard for hurricane season. If you haven’t already, now is the time to clean up your yard.
Remove any debris and ensure that your garden is tidy and secure. If you have trees that need to be pruned or cut back, do it now before the season ramps up in August.
Pruning trees properly is essential to prevent damage during storms.
If you’re unsure about how to trim a tree correctly, contact a certified arborist. Improper trimming can harm the tree and potentially create hazards during high winds.
You can find a certified arborist near you by visiting Trees Are Good, a resource for locating professional arborists.
Fertilizer Ban
During the summer rainy season, numerous municipalities in the Sunshine State prohibit the application of fertilizer to lawns and landscape plants. This ban, typically in effect from June to September, has taken place in Pinellas County where I live.
The ban is in place to prevent nutrient runoff into water bodies, which can lead to harmful algal blooms. Make sure to adhere to local regulations and avoid using fertilizers during this period.
Alternatives to Growing Vegetables
If you decide not to grow vegetables this month, you can either solarize your garden or grow cover crops. Both methods have their pros and cons, and it’s important to choose the one that best suits your gardening goals.
Solarization
Solarization is a process that uses the sun’s heat to kill soil-borne pests, weeds, and pathogens.
To solarize your garden, cover the soil with a clear plastic sheet and leave it in place for six to eight weeks. The sun’s rays will heat the soil to temperatures that can kill unwanted organisms.
This method is effective for sterilizing the soil, but it also kills beneficial organisms, so it’s essential to reintroduce beneficial microbes after the process.
Cover Crops
Cover crops, on the other hand, offer a different approach. Planting cover crops such as clover, buckwheat, or legumes can improve soil health by adding organic matter and nutrients back into the soil.
Cover crops also help prevent erosion and suppress weeds. Once the cover crop has grown, you can till it back into the soil to enrich it.
This method is beneficial for long-term soil health but requires careful planning and maintenance.
Final Thoughts
July in USDA Zone 10A is a challenging month for Florida gardeners due to the heat and humidity. While the list of vegetables to plant is short, options like okra, Southern beans, and tropical vegetables can still thrive.
Preparing your garden for hurricane season and adhering to the fertilizer ban are essential steps to take this month.
Whether you choose to solarize your garden or plant cover crops, both methods offer valuable benefits for soil health and pest control.
If you’re looking to add herbs to your garden, consider purchasing small plants rather than starting from seed.
Gardening in July may be slow, but it’s a crucial time to prepare and maintain your garden for the upcoming months. It is the perfect time to begin planning your fall garden.
Embrace the rainy season and enjoy the cooling effect of the afternoon showers, knowing that your efforts now will pay off in a healthier, more productive garden. Happy gardening!
Please share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let’s continue to learn and grow together.
Additional Information
Please check out these other articles I’ve written for additional information:
Guide for June Vegetable Gardening in 10A Florida (additional information about growing okra and sweet potatoes
Hurricane Yard Prep: Safeguard Your Home Before the Storm Hits!
Sunn Hemp: The Ultimate Summer Cover Crop for Your Garden!
Resources
Florida Gardenista: Florida Gardening in July
Revival Gardening: Your Comprehensive Guide to Planting in Florida: A Month-by-Month Breakdown
University of Florida, UF/IFAS Extension: Planting in July