7.18.26 - Mid-Summer Boost
Transcript
[Intro Music]
Hello, friends, and welcome back to the Keep Growing Podcast, coming to you from the Mid-Ohio Valley! I’m your host, John Morgan, from Bob’s Market and Greenhouses in Mason, West Virginia. We’re here to help you tackle the joys and challenges of gardening in USDA Zones 6 and 7—whether you’re a backyard veggie hero, a flower fanatic, or just trying to keep those tomatoes happy through the summer heat.
This week we’re covering July 18th through July 24th, 2026. Things are really popping in the gardens right now—I just picked my first summer squash this evening. Let’s dive in!
First off, I’m excited to share that I’m back from Cultivate’26 in Columbus, Ohio. What an incredible event! If you want the full scoop on everything I saw, learned, and experienced, head over to the Bob’s Market website and check out my blog post.
My most memorable moment was helping lead tours of the trade show for Seed Your Future. I had a fantastic group of landscape design students from Columbus State Community College. Folks, I was absolutely blown away by their knowledge and the thoughtful questions they were asking. These young people are the future of our industry, and I have no doubt I’ll be seeing them at future trade shows as my peers. It was such an uplifting way to wrap up a great weekend. A big thanks to everyone who makes Cultivate possible!
[Short pause]
Now, let’s talk weather. Showers and storms are expected today with the potential for more widespread severe weather. An upper trough with multiple shortwaves will affect our area, and a surface cold front will sweep across tonight into Sunday. Some drier air should work in, at least across the north for Sunday. The good news? These storms, combined with increased flow, should help clear out that Canadian wildfire smoke and improve our air quality. Stay safe out there, and keep an eye on the forecasts!
[Main Content]
On the gardening front, we’ve got some great opportunities this week. Tuesday, July 21st, brings the First Quarter Moon—a perfect time for aboveground crops. This is your cue to harvest what’s ready and plant more beans, cucumbers, or basil. The energy is right for growth above the soil line.
It’s also a solid window to plant or direct sow some late-season heat-lovers for continued color and interest. Think sunflowers or nasturtiums—they’ll brighten things up as we head toward late summer.
Another key task: Side dress your corn and other vegetables with a bit of fertilizer or compost. As they start setting fruit, that extra boost can make a big difference in yield and quality. For more details on side-dressing techniques and recommendations, check out the latest post on the Bob’s Market Blog.
Don’t forget the basics—keep up with watering (deep and consistent, especially during any dry spells between rains), scout for pests, and stay on top of weeds while the soil is workable after showers. Mulch is your friend for moisture retention and keeping roots cool.
[Call to Action]
If you’re harvesting more than you can eat, remember to share the bounty with neighbors, friends, or your local food pantry. Fresh veggies build community!
For all the details, show notes, and more tips, visit bobsmarket.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for our VIP Club for text notifications on sales, events, frost advisories, and more. Scout’s honor—no spam, just helpful garden updates.
[Closing]
That’s a wrap for this week’s episode of The Keep Growing Podcast. Thanks for tuning in—whether you’re listening while weeding the garden or sipping coffee on the porch. Keep your hands dirty, your heart happy, and remember: every day is a great day to … keep growing!
