July 26, 2025 - Weekly Gardening Guide

Episode Transcript

Welcome back, growers, to the Keep Growing Podcast! I’m your host, John Morgan, here to help you dig into the dirt and make your garden thrive. It’s Week 31 of 2025, spanning July 26th to August 1st, and we’re deep in the heart of summer. The sun’s blazing, the plants are pumping, and there’s plenty to do in the garden. Today, we’re talking about planting seed beets and why deep watering is your best friend as we head into late summer. Plus, we’ve got a lunar gardening tip for the First Quarter Moon on August 1st. So, grab your trowel, and let’s get growing! 

 Segment 1: Seed Beets – The Underdog of the Garden 

Alright, let’s kick things off with seed beets. Now, beets might not have the glamour of tomatoes or the Instagram appeal of zucchini blossoms, but these earthy gems are a powerhouse in the garden. They’re packed with nutrients, super versatile in the kitchen, and honestly, pretty low-maintenance if you get them started right. 

Week 31 is a great time to sow beet seeds, especially in regions with mild winters, because beets love the warm soil of late summer but can handle a bit of cool weather as they mature. Here’s how to make your beets shine: 

1. Pick the Right Spot: Beets need full sun—aim for at least 6 hours a day. They’re not too picky about soil, but they do best in loose, well-drained dirt. If your soil’s heavy clay, mix in some compost to loosen it up. 

2. Sow Smart: Plant seeds about half an inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows. Each beet “seed” is actually a cluster of seeds, so you’ll get multiple sprouts. Don’t worry, we’ll thin them later. 

3. Water and Wait: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Beets typically germinate in 5 to 10 days, depending on the soil temperature. 

4. Thin for Success: Once your seedlings are a couple of inches tall, thin them to about 3 to 4 inches apart. Don’t toss those thinnings—toss them in a salad! The greens are delicious. 

Pro tip: Try varieties like ‘Detroit Dark Red’ for classic flavor or ‘Chioggia’ for those stunning candy-striped roots. Beets are ready to harvest in about 50 to 70 days, so you’re looking at a fall crop that’ll make your table pop. 

Got questions about beets? Drop me a message {email}, and I’ll get back to you. Alright, let’s move on to keeping those plants hydrated. 

 Segment 2: Deep Watering – The Key to Late Summer Success 

As we roll into late summer, the heat is on, and your plants are feeling it. The key to keeping them happy? Water deeply. Shallow watering creates lazy roots that stay near the surface, making plants more vulnerable to heat stress. Deep watering encourages roots to dive down, tapping into moisture reserves that keep them resilient. 

Here’s how to do it right: 

- Go Slow and Steady: Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the soil. Aim for a long, slow soak—think 20 to 30 minutes per session for most garden beds. 

- Check the Depth: After watering, dig down a few inches. The soil should be moist at least 6 inches deep for veggies and flowers, and even deeper for trees and shrubs. 

- Timing is Everything: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and give plants time to dry off before night, which helps prevent fungal issues. 

- Mulch it Up: Lay down a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch like straw or wood chips around your plants. This locks in moisture and keeps the soil cooler. 

If you’re in a drought-prone area, consider grouping plants with similar water needs together to make your watering more efficient. And don’t forget to check your local water restrictions—let’s be good stewards of this precious resource. 

 Segment 3: Lunar Gardening – First Quarter Moon on August 1st 

Now, let’s look up at the sky for our lunar gardening tip. On Friday, August 1st, we’ve got the First Quarter Moon, that half-lit beauty signaling a time of growth and energy. In lunar gardening, the First Quarter is prime for planting or harvesting aboveground crops—think tomatoes, peppers, beans, or leafy greens. 

If you’re sowing seeds, this is a great day for crops like lettuce, spinach, or even a late batch of cucumbers. If you’re harvesting, grab those ripe fruits and leaves now, as the moon’s pull is said to enhance flavor and juiciness. Not sure if you buy into lunar gardening? Give it a try and see if you notice a difference. I’ve had listeners swear by it! 

That’s a wrap for Week 31, folks! To recap: sow those beet seeds for a fall harvest, water deeply to keep your garden thriving in the late summer heat, and mark August 1st for planting or harvesting aboveground crops under the First Quarter Moon. 

I want to hear from you! What’s growing in your garden this week? Share your wins, your flops, or your beet recipes on the Keep Growing community page or tag me on social media. And if you’re loving the podcast, leave us a review—it helps more gardeners find the show. 

Until next week, keep your hands in the soil and your heart in the garden. This is John Morgan, signing off. Keep growing!