July Is Gardening Time In Costa Rica
Costa Rica, with its diverse microclimates and lush landscapes, offers a unique gardening experience year-round. July, situated in the heart of the green season, is a particularly vibrant time for gardeners.
July is usually one of the best
months of the year for gardening
in Costa Rica. Ticos refer to this
time as “el veranillo de San
Juan” (“little summer of San
Juan”), a period of less rain and
more warm, sunny days before
the heavy rains begin in August.
Most of the crops planted earlier
this year are now beginning their
harvests.
Costa Rica's climate varies significantly depending on the region. Generally, July falls within the rainy season (May to November), also known as the "green season." The rains, however, are typically not constant and are interspersed with sunny spells, providing the perfect conditions for gardening. The temperatures are moderate, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-29°C), creating an ideal environment for both plants and gardeners.
Harvesting
July is a great month for harvesting a variety of crops. Depending on the region and altitude, you can expect to gather, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, beans and corn.
Tomatoes- ripen well in the warm, sunny weather.
Peppers- both sweet and hot peppers are ready for picking.
Zucchini- thrive in the fertile soil and are usually ready by mid-July.
Beans- green beans and other varieties can be harvested.
Corn- some areas corn reaches maturity and is ready for harvest.
Make sure to check your plants daily, as the warm weather can cause fruits and vegetables to ripen quickly.
Planting
July is also a favourable time to plant new crops. Consider planting:
Leafy Greens- lettuce, spinach and kale can be planted and will grow well in the cooler, rainy conditions of the upcoming months. ~ Root Vegetables- carrots, beets and radishes are good options for planting in July.
Herbs- basil, cilantro and parsley can be started now for a steady supply of fresh herbs.
Cover Crops- planting cover crops like clover or alfalfa can help enrich the soil for future planting.
Composting
Composting is essential for maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem.
Balancing Greens and Browns- add kitchen scraps (greens) and dry leaves or cardboard (browns) to maintain a balanced compost pile. ~ Turning the Pile- regularly turning your compost pile helps aerate it and speeds up the decomposition process.
Moisture Levels- keep the compost pile moist but not soggy, especially during the drier spells of July.
The optimal lunar planting
dates for the month are July 6
to 11. Weather reports predict
another turbulent season of
heavy tropical storms this
year, likely due to global
warming and the vanishing
rain forests that once kept the
balance in the water cycle –
more reason to plant trees this
year to help change our
present direction on the
planet.
July represents the latest “safe” date for planting trees, as young trees need sufficient time to root well in the soil before the dry season arrives at the end of the year. Fruit trees such as citruses, mangos, avocados, star fruit, coconuts and rambutan are good choices for home lots. Check with your local nurseries for grafted fruit trees appropriate for your location.
July continues to be a great time to make compost fertilizer from those grass clippings, leaves and biomass collected around the home. Although I now mow the lawn twice a month. Free fertilizer helps lower the cost of growing homegrown food, which in turn means lower food bills each week.
By focusing on harvesting, planting, and composting, you can make the most of July's gardening opportunities in Costa Rica. Happy gardening!
