What to Plant in July & Garden Tasks for Zones 9 & 10

Here in San Diego, July is when things really start to feel like summer. The marine layer burns off, temps go up, and the plants explode. But what about starting new plants this month?
Even though we're getting into some of the hottest months of the year, there are lots of plants that you can start this time of year, either as starts or direct sown. For a full list of what we recommend planting in July, check out sandiegoseedco... since we're just picking some of our favorite and the most popular crops here.
Some plants that might be easier to start in cells and then transplant out into the garden are:
Eggplant
Tomatoes
Peppers
Tomatillos
Basil
That's because they transplant pretty easily and are sometimes easier to keep an eye on while in cells. Another reason is that you probably already have these in your garden, and you might not have space in your garden for a new round quite yet, so the seedlings can grow as you finish up with your current plants.
On the other hand, some crops that we recommend direct sowing are:
Beans
Corn
Cucumbers
Squash
Melons
Pumpkins
These all have larger seeds and quickly develop root systems that can survive a tiny bit of neglect. All seedlings need moisture, though! Another reason we like to direct sow some of these (especially luffa) is that the plants may go into shock if the roots are disturbed too much.
Lastly, don't forget to plant flowers! There are plenty of options, so it's a good reminder to keep your pollinators extra happy all year.
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