July is the kind of month that reveals the heart of a garden—and the heart of a gardener. It’s a month of abundance, but also of sweat, pests, and surprise challenges. Here at Gingerfoot Garden, July 2025 brought its own mix of joy, frustration, and a whole lot of learning. And I’m so grateful for every single part of it.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to garden in a small backyard space in Maryland Zone 7, come with me as I walk you through my July garden—harvests, heartbreaks, and everything in between.

The Overflowing Harvests: Bittermelon, Beans, and Beyond

Let’s start with the wins. One of the biggest surprises this month has been my bittermelon harvest. I picked six in just one day—and more are still growing! Bittermelon isn’t everyone’s favorite, but for someone like me who grew up in the Philippines, this vegetable holds memories and meaning.

I made “ginisang ampalaya” with ground beef and eggs—a dish that always brings me back to my childhood kitchen. The tomatoes I used had to come from a can this time because my homegrown ones weren’t quite ready, but I didn’t mind. There was something so satisfying about using the vegetables from my garden in a meal that carries so much cultural connection.

I’ve been thinking about preservation too. After sharing a few bittermelons with local Filipino friends, I started wondering how I could save some of this abundance. I’m considering dehydrating and turning them into powder to use as supplements—just like I’ve done with ginger and turmeric in the past. It’s one of the things I love about gardening: you’re never done learning or trying new things.

Beans That Keep on Giving

This month also brought baskets of beans—especially the Blauhilde purple beans and my long noodle beans. I love growing these because they’re easy to spot when harvesting and so prolific. The plants climbed up their trellises with such vigor that it felt like they were racing toward the sun.

July is a time when the garden feels alive. Every time I step outside, something new is ready to be picked: cucumbers, squash, raspberries, and even a few early eggplants. It’s such a gift to gather food with my own hands and bring it straight to the kitchen.

Challenges in the Garden: When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Of course, not everything went smoothly. July also brought relentless rain and high humidity, which made it difficult to keep some crops healthy. A few plants struggled with mildew. My onions didn’t do as well as I’d hoped, partly due to the moisture and partly because I’m still trying to figure out how to deal with the allium leaf miner problem in my area.

But here’s the thing: even when the harvest isn’t perfect, the effort is never wasted.

Gardening teaches resilience. It humbles you. It reminds you that you’re not fully in control—and that’s okay. Even though many of my onions turned out small, I was still thankful. Some harvest is better than none, and every failure is an opportunity to grow (pun intended).

Beauty in the Midst of Gloom

There were a few gloomy, rainy days in July that almost stole my motivation. But all it took was one walk around the garden—one glimpse of tomato flowers, one sighting of a bee pollinating squash blossoms—to lift my spirits again.

There’s just something about being in the garden, even when you’re not doing much. On one weekend, I didn’t plan to garden at all. I had just stepped outside to toss some compost, but before I knew it, I was harvesting beans, squatting down to check the okra, and wiping rain off my tomatoes.

That’s the magic of gardening—it draws you in when you least expect it.

The Tomato Countdown Begins

July is also the month of tomato anticipation. Some of my tomato plants are filled with green fruits, and I’m just waiting for that perfect moment when they ripen. I grew them intensively in raised beds this year using the close planting method. It takes a bit more work with pruning and airflow, but it’s so worth it.

Tomatoes are a staple in our kitchen, and I’m hoping to freeze diced tomatoes for the months ahead. Last year, I ran out too soon. This year, the goal is to double the amount I preserve!

Looking Ahead to Fall (Yes, Already!)

Believe it or not, July is also when I start thinking about the fall garden. It feels odd to be sowing cool-season crops like kale, collards, and carrots while the summer heat is blazing, but timing is everything.

I haven’t started my fall seedlings yet but if you are, it’s highly recommend to get them started indoors soon. I’ve learned from experience: don’t wait too long. The window for fall planting is small, and the earlier start gives me the best chance for a successful second season.

Gratitude, Growth, and Garden Lessons

If I had to sum up July in one word, it would be grateful.

Grateful for the abundance.

Grateful for the lessons.

Grateful for the quiet moments of joy between the rows.

This month reminded me that gardening is not about perfection—it’s about participation. Whether you harvest a single pepper or a basketful of beans, what matters is that you showed up, got your hands in the soil, and nurtured something with love.

Want to Reflect on Your Own Garden Journey?

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for joining me on this July garden reflection. Whether you’re growing in a raised bed, containers, or just a few pots on a balcony, I hope my story reminds you that your garden matters—and so do you.

Let’s Chat in the Comments

What was the biggest joy—or the biggest struggle—in your garden this July?

Drop a comment below or share your garden moments with me on Instagram @gingerfootgarden. I love hearing your stories. Let’s grow together—one season at a time. 🌱