Hey there, Bloom and Peck family! The summer solstice is here, lighting up our gardens today, Friday, June 20, 2025, at 9:42 p.m. Central Time. It’s the longest, sunniest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and for us gardeners and homesteaders in Zone 7, it’s a celebration of growth, abundance, and the magic of our blooming plots. This is when the sun hits its northernmost point, giving our plants a burst of energy to thrive. Let’s dive into what the summer solstice means for our Zone 7 gardens and how we can make the most of this vibrant season at Bloom and Peck.
Why the Summer Solstice Matters for Your Garden
The summer solstice is like a spotlight for our plants. With the Earth tilted at its maximum 23.5 degrees toward the sun, we get the longest stretch of daylight—perfect for photosynthesis, the engine behind our plants’ growth. This extended sunlight fuels your tomatoes, cucumbers, and berries to produce those juicy fruits and vibrant blooms we all love. The solstice is a cue for many plants, through a process called photoperiodism, to shift from growing leaves to flowering and fruiting, setting the stage for a bountiful harvest.
But here’s a gentle nudge: after today, the days start to shorten, signaling plants to wrap up their reproductive cycles before fall. For us at Bloom and Peck, this is a reminder to soak up every sun-filled moment and plan for the rest of the season.
Summer Solstice Questions:
The June solstice (summer solstice) in Columbia is at 9:42 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025. In terms of daylight, this day is 5 hours, 6 minutes longer than the December solstice. In most locations north of the equator, the longest day of the year is around this date. (link)
The National Weather Service anticipates that temperatures will start to rise in Lexington by Saturday, reaching a high of approximately 91 degrees Fahrenheit. The warming trend will persist over the weekend, with Sunday seeing a high of around 93 degrees. As the work week begins, temperatures are expected to hit 94 degrees, climbing to 95 by Tuesday. These high temperatures are likely to remain consistent until Thursday. (link here)
What’s Happening in Your Zone 7 Garden
In Zone 7, where our winters are mild and summers are warm, the solstice marks a peak moment for our gardens and homesteads. Here’s what’s happening and how to keep your Zone 7 plot thriving:
- Vegetables in Full Swing: Mid June I am trellising my tomatoes and cucumbers and still harvesting som yummy snap peas. The solstice’s long days speed up ripening, so check those fruits daily!
- Flowers Bursting with Color: Annuals like zinnias and cosmos are stealing the show, while perennials such as daylilies and coneflowers are hitting their stride. Plant fall-blooming flowers like asters or mums now to keep your garden vibrant through October in Zone 7.
- Berries and Fruits Shining: Raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are ripening fast in Zone 7’s warm June weather. Watch those berries – Harvest regularly to stay ahead of birds and pests, and water consistently to support those juicy berries. If you’re growing grapes or figs, keep an eye on them as they swell in the solstice sun.
- Watering and Care Tips: Zone 7 summers can get toasty, drying out soil quickly. Mulch around your plants with straw or wood chips to lock in moisture, and water deeply in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. A soaker hose works wonders for keeping your beds hydrated without waste. Additionally, I add a shade cloth over my tomato trellis to help with the constant sun beating down.
How to Celebrate the Solstice in Your Garden
The summer solstice is a time to connect with nature and our Bloom and Peck community. Here are some Zone 7-friendly ways to celebrate:
- Plant Something New: Honor the solstice by sowing seeds for fall crops or planting sun-loving flowers like marigolds or sunflowers. These vibrant blooms reflect the sun’s energy and add a pop of color to your homestead.
Some of my favorites are from Epic Gardening and Botanical Interests: https://shop.epicgardening.com/BLOOMPECK5 - Transplant Winter Squash and Summer Squash: Honor the solstice by planting your winter squash and summer squash, it’s not to late!
- Harvest and Share: Pick ripe berries or early veggies and share them with neighbors. A bowl of fresh berries or the last of the snap peas goes a long way.
- Create a Sun-Inspired Space: It’s hot out, make a water dish in your garden for those hot summer days for the pollinators.
- Host a Garden Party: Gather your Bloom and Peck friends for a solstice celebration. Light a bonfire (if safe and permitted), share gardening stories, and enjoy Zone 7’s long, warm evening. Traditionally, bonfires symbolized boosting the sun’s energy for a good harvest—let’s keep that vibe alive!
- Take Stock and Plan: Use the solstice to check in on your garden. Are your tomato trellises holding up? Need more mulch? Prune spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas now, and start succession planting for a steady harvest through Zone 7’s mild fall.
A Peek at Our Bloom and Peck
Uploading farm pictures soon.
Wrapping Up the Longest Day
The summer solstice is a moment to marvel at the beauty of our Zone 7 gardens and homesteads. It’s a time to celebrate the sweat we’ve put into our soil, the joy of watching our plants thrive, and the promise of harvests to come. At Bloom and Peck, we’re all about growing together—so share your solstice plans, garden updates, or favorite Zone 7 crops in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation blooming!
Happy gardening, and here’s to basking in every ray of solstice sunshine!
~ The Bloom and Peck Team
Citations
- “Summer Solstice 2025.” TimeandDate.com, accessed June 20, 2025, https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/summer-solstice.html.
- “Gardening Tips for June.” Gardener Scott, accessed June 20, 2025, https://www.gardenerscott.com.
- “Zone 7 Gardening Guide.” USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, accessed June 20, 2025, https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov.
- https://www.kentucky.com/news/weather-news/article308936135.html, accessed June 20, 2025
- https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/@z-us-42728 , accessed June 20, 2025
- https://www.farmersalmanac.com/summer-solstice-first-day-summer accessed June 20, 2025
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/community/blog/summer-solstice/ , accessed June 20, 2025
- https://www.epicgardening.com/gardener-summer-solstice/ , accessed June 20, 2025
- https://www.happysprout.com/inspiration/summer-solstice-garden-planting/ , accessed June 20, 2025