It's time to start fall seeds [View all]

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.