You, Dirt, and Deliciousness: A Guide to Planting in Seattle Now (Because Let's Face It, You've Had Enough Rain to Float a Boat)
So here you are, a valiant Seattleite, staring out the window at yet another misty morning. You've perfected the art of layering sweaters, your boots are practically extensions of your feet, and you may or may not talk to the houseplants just to practice conversation. But hey, there's a silver lining (or should we say, a raincloud with a fuzzy edge)! July in Seattle is prime time for planting a whole bunch of yummy (and conversation-starting) things in your garden.
But wait, you cry, dramatic drizzle clinging to your eyelashes, "What on earth can I possibly plant in this neverending dampness?" Fear not, fellow citizen of the perpetually-gray! Here's your cheat sheet to what will flourish in your Seattle soil right about now:
Tip: Take a sip of water, then continue fresh.
The Speedy Salad Sensation: Lettuce, arugula, spinach - all these leafy greens practically grow at the speed of light (well, almost as fast as a Seattle bus on a sunny day, which isn't exactly NASCAR racing). Plant them directly in the soil and watch them become a salad bar in your own backyard. Bonus points for quirky names like 'Red Deer Lettuce' or 'Spiky Spinach' to impress your dinner guests (or at least confuse the neighborhood squirrel).
The Beets Go On (and On): Beets, carrots, radishes - these cool-weather crops can handle the occasional downpour like a champ. Plus, there's something undeniably satisfying about pulling a bright red beet out of the ground, feeling like a triumphant farmer even if you live in a studio apartment.
Herbs Happen: Basil, cilantro, parsley - these fragrant friends will add some pizzazz to your cooking and make your windowsill smell like a fancy Italian restaurant (minus the hefty bill). Just be sure they get plenty of sunshine, even if it peeks through the clouds for a measly five minutes a day.
Pro Tip: Feeling adventurous? Try planting some edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums. They'll add a pop of color and a surprising peppery kick to your salad.
Reminder: Take a short break if the post feels long.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
What Can I Plant Now In Seattle |
But Wait, There's More!
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
This is just a taste of the possibilities. Don't forget about summer veggies like beans, cucumbers, and squash that you can plant directly in the soil in a few weeks when the ground warms up.
Remember: Seattle may have a reputation for being damp, but your garden doesn't have to be a swamp. Drainage is key! Make sure your planting beds have good drainage to avoid drowning your precious vegetables.
Now get out there, get your hands dirty, and cultivate your own little slice of sunshine (even if the real sun refuses to cooperate)!
How-To FAQ for the Flourishing Seattle Gardener:
- How to plant seeds directly in the soil? Make shallow furrows in your prepared soil, sprinkle seeds thinly, cover lightly with soil, and water gently.
- How much sun do my plants need? Research the specific needs of each plant, but most veggies need around 6-8 hours of sunlight a day.
- How often should I water my plants? This depends on the weather and the plant variety. Stick your finger in the soil - if the top inch is dry, it's watering time!
- How do I keep pests away? Companion planting (planting certain herbs or flowers near your veggies) can deter some pests naturally.
- How do I know when to harvest my veggies? Google is your friend! Look up the specific harvesting time for each vegetable variety.
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.