Seasonal Advice for July: Recipes, Gardening, Folklore

July is the month when summer has a firm hold on all of us. The average temperature just about everywhere in the country is above 70ºF, and thunderstorms are nearly as abundant as ants at a picnic.

A moon-flooded prairie; a dreaming
Of brown-fisted farmers; a gleaming
Of fireflies eddying nigh --
And that is July!
–James N. Matthews

Calendar

July received its name in order to honor the Roman dictator Julius Caesar (100 B.C.–44 B.C.). With the help of Sosigenes, Caesar developed the precursor to the Gregorian calendar we use today.

On July 3, the hot and sultry Dog Days begin. How did the phrase, "Dog Days" get started? Find out.

Independence Day on the fourth of July celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Don't forget to raise the flag! See American Flag Rules.

July also brings two other days of independence: Canada Day (July 1), which commemorates the creation of the Dominion of Canada, and Bastille Day (July 14), which commemorates the storming of the Bastille (the start of the French Revolution).

Recipes for the Season

Visit our new Fourth of July recipe page for festive dishes and desserts!

You can also try some of these other summertime recipes:
Grilled Chicken and Herb-Cheese Wraps
Baked Summer Squash
Grilled Summer Vegetables

See our tips on how to grill vegetables.

Visit the garden-fresh Summer Recipes collection for great meal ideas using fresh, seasonal ingredieints.

Gardening

In July, summer bugs are at their best (or worst, as the case may be).

Check out our pests and problems page to help you identify and eliminate critters in your garden.

Are your crops starting to take over your kitchen? Check out some of our storage tips for fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Everyday Advice

Warm weather allows us to get outside and complete some annual household duties.

Do you have some painting to do? Learn how to choose and use the right paintbrush for the job.

Many folks sell their house in the summer. Check out our tips on a speedy house sale—and add yours!

Astronomy

Fireworks under a nearly full Moon? Tuesday, July 3 is the Full Buck Moon. Get your Moon phase dates and times.

Look up! Enjoy the night sky from your own backyard. View the Sky Watch highlights for each month.

Folklore for the Season

• Ne'er trust a July sky.
• If ant hills are high in July, the coming winter will be hard.
• As July, so next January.

Related Articles

• Fourth of July Recipes and History