Midsummer Gardens replace lettuce with arugula
Keep Seeds Well Watered
Plant Seeds Now For a Second Season Garden
Starting direct seeded vegetables now, has both advantages and disadvantages. Midsummer soil is warmer and has less moisture than it did when you started your spring crops. You must be more diligent to the task of watering. Remember, these young plants have very little root structure and are dependent on you for easily accessible food and water.
For the next few weeks, continue to plant seeds. My favorites are Swiss chard, spinach, beans, cow peas, beets and turnips. Herbs to plant or replant midseason include arugula, cilantro, dill, and parsley. Try succession planting.
Plant using less seed and more often for a small steady vegetable priduction as opposed to a huge single harvest.
Try something new.Look at garden (or container garden) is an experimental plant laboratory. If the seeds or plants don't do well, try something different next year. The local University Extension will have plant recommendations, for your area.
Buy seeds now. Many garden centers do not carry a good selection of seed beyond mid summer. Any left over seeds can be stored and used next spring. Make notes of your successes or failures and stick the planting notes inside the seed packet as a reminder for next spring.
Germination rates will decrease when using older seed. That is usually not much of a problem because most of us end up thinning the rows we plant. Tape the packet closed and store it in a dry, dark place. No need to refrigerate or freeze the seed.