July heat doesn't have to slow your garden down. Heat-tolerant crops like okra and cowpeas, along with herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, are built to thrive when temperatures rise.
A few simple habits can help them perform their best:
Water deeply rather than frequently to encourage stronger roots.
Water deeply rather than frequently to encourage stronger roots.
Harvest regularly to keep plants producing.
Harvest regularly to keep plants producing.
Pinch basil flower buds to promote more leafy growth.
Pinch basil flower buds to promote more leafy growth.
Pick okra pods while they're young and tender to encourage continued harvests.
Pick okra pods while they're young and tender to encourage continued harvests.