How does your garden grow, this July, Reader?
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We've been quiet on the permaculture gardening education front this summer, mostly because Dave and I have been in the garden, getting bitten to shreds by mosquitoes, maintaining the abundant growth of raspberries, okra, and cucumbers, and battling the deer with the construction of phase 1 of our fence.

3 July Garden Tips

That being said, there are a few things I wanted to share with you that might help your garden this month. July is the month when it's best to:
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​1. Fertilize your favorite crops. Usually, this is when you'll see tomato or eggplant flagging. In many gardens, they may need a bit more nutrition this time of year, so I would side dress with whatever compost you normally use. I use compost tea (a mix of vermicompost dipped in water + fish hydrolysate for minerals and humic acid). Use what you have. Don't overthink it.
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​2. Mulch - Because it's hot, you want to keep the roots of many of your annuals cool by either:
a. Not pulling the weeds there. Just hold off until the fall when it gets cooler
b. Mulching heavily with straw
c. Chop and drop the weeds that you can't help but pull in place to serve as a natural mulch that you don't even have to buy
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Just be careful. I just did this for our church garden and have poison ivy on my face and hands. Waaah!
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3. Start planning or seed starting for your fall garden - Yep! Now is the time to figure out what leafy green. brassica, lettuce, root crop, you want to grow this fall. That way, you get at least a 3-season harvest if not a year-round garden.
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Not sure what exactly grows in the fall? Check this infographic taken from our new book.​
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Finally, if you see this before the end of the day, thanks for reading all the way down.

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🎉 Nominate Us for Loudoun County Small Business Awards

One of our microgreens clients, Chef Daniela of Cuccinamore, nominated us for our local Small Business Awards and encouraged us to have others nominate us as well.
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If you believe in this garden work we are all doing together at Permaculture Gardens, please take one minute to nominate us using the link below.
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We didn't expect to be nominated, and today is the last day one can nominate.

You can learn more about the award here. So grateful to you, Reader!
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Grow abundantly,
Nicky