Explore what to plant, harvest, and cook in July. Embrace peak summer with seasonal tips for your garden, kitchen, and lifestyle.
As July unfolds in all its sunny glory, everything seems to slow down and swell with abundance. It’s the heart of summer—when tomatoes ripen, herbs explode with aroma, and long days invite us to bask and breathe. If June was about preparing and blooming, July is about thriving. Or sweating. A lot. Here’s your seasonal guide to making the most of this lush, generous, slightly-overheating month. 😅🍅 (Haven’t read June’s guide yet? Catch up here.)
In the Garden: Heat, Harvests & Gentle Tasks 🌞🪴
Your garden is likely bursting with life, but that doesn’t mean it’s on autopilot. July calls for a different pace—more observation, less hustle. More “slowly watering in your bathrobe” and less “Pinterest garden goddess.”
- Water deeply, not often: Early morning is best. Pretend you’re a zen monk with a hose. 🧘♀️💦
- Keep harvesting: Beans, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs—pick them regularly or be buried alive in zucchini. Consider yourself warned.
- Deadhead flowers to promote more blooms (zinnias, marigolds, cosmos). Snip snip, flower therapist mode on.
- Sow for fall: If you’re in a zone with long growing seasons, now is a good time to start brassicas (like kale or broccoli) indoors. Future you will be smug and prepared.
Pro tip: Let some herbs like basil flower to attract pollinators. It’s summer—go a little wild. Or just pretend you meant to forget pruning. 🌿🐝 (Need a refresher on spring planting? April’s garden guide is still gold.)
Seasonal Herbs: Nature’s Chill Pill 🌼🍃
July’s heat can drain your energy. Mother Nature offers her own remedy: cooling, calming, and healing plants. Also known as botanical excuses to brew fancy teas.
- Linden (Lime blossom): anti-inflammatory, relaxing, perfect as a cold infusion. Also looks like something a woodland witch might gift you.
- Chamomile: supports digestion and sleep; also great as a compress for sun-weary skin. Bonus: you’ll feel like you live in a Jane Austen novel.
- Yarrow: astringent and useful in herbal first aid (especially for cuts or nosebleeds).
- Mint: cools the body, lifts the mood. Use in tea, salads, or frozen in ice cubes and feel immediately fancier.
Try drying herbs now—they’ll be your cozy allies in the colder months when you’re emotionally attached to your tea mug. ☕️🫖 For more seasonal herbal magic, check out The Magic of Elder or go forest-style with Fir Syrup.
What to Buy and Cook in July: Fresh, Fast, and Fabulous 🍓🌽
No one wants to stand by a hot oven in July. Or be anywhere near it. Luckily, seasonal foods practically cook themselves (and look fabulous doing it).
- In-season veggies: tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, bell peppers, cucumbers, green beans, corn.
- Fruits: cherries, apricots, plums, berries, melons, early peaches.
- Ideas:
- Tomato & cucumber salad with mint and vinegar. (Also known as: the salad of people who gave up but still want vitamins.)
- Grilled corn with herbed butter. Because plain butter just doesn’t slap hard enough in July.
- Cold sour cherry soup or apricot compote. Yes, soup can be cold and still be dinner.
- Zucchini pancakes with yogurt & garlic. Or as we call it: “Oh no, more zucchini. Quick, disguise it!”
Think chilled, grilled, or raw. Your energy (and kitchen) will thank you. 🍴🥵 Bonus: if you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic, this childhood chocolate recipe is a winner—and no oven required.
Simple Summer Living: Tips for the Soul and Soil 🌤️🧺
- Create shade: Hang a light cloth over your sitting area or garden corner. Instant boho chill zone.
- Sun protection: Homemade salves with calendula or aloe are soothing. And also say: “Yes, I am that person.”
- Hydrate with intention: Add herbs or citrus slices to your water. Then ignore it and drink coffee anyway. ☕️
- Evening rituals: Journal outside, barefoot on the grass, as the sun sets. Extra points if fireflies are involved.
- Declutter the pressure: It’s okay to rest. July is not for hustling. It’s for melting slowly while holding a cold drink.
Remember, living seasonally isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing differently. Possibly with more naps. 😌🛋️ Need a gentle reset? Try this printable: 5 Days to Crave with Intention.
✨ Gentle Printable for Summer Reset
Infographic summary of 5 Days to Crave with Intention – a gentle, non-judgy printable guide on emotional cravings by Lela.
This is just a sneak peek! Get the full printable when you subscribe. 💌
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Final thoughts
Let July be a month of nourishment—inside and out. Taste the ripeness, feel the sun on your skin, and allow yourself moments of stillness. The earth is abundant. You don’t have to prove anything. Just grow alongside it. Or just survive the heat and call that success. 🍑🔥
🍒 Live simply. Eat seasonally. Thrive naturally. #SimplifyWithLela 🍒
Make It Simple 