July 2019 is here; time to adjust our pace to meet the demands of truly tropical summertime. Its lush warmth and long cool evenings call us outdoors—into the garden, to the parks and the beach. 

Agriculture takes center stage this month with fresh perspectives on where and how food is produced these days—and why it matters. In “Crops in the City: Urban Agriculture Breaks New Ground” (page 28), writer April Thompson profiles noteworthy pioneers forging paths to organic city farming on a commercial scale. These men and women are tapping into new technologies and markets and turning challenges like dealing with space constraints into innovative opportunities. Learn how they are finding their niches on rooftops, in vertical tower gardens and abandoned warehouses. They are reconnecting urbanites to their food sources while bettering the environment, communities, diets and health.

July is an ideal time to add a healthy dose of fresh organic herbs to a home garden for cool salads, luscious smoothies and other hot-weather eats and treats. Herbs are not only a flavorful addition to any meal, they’re also chock-full of health benefits, from lowering blood pressure and improving mineral balance to increasing immune support, hydration, energy and healthy skin. Discover the best ones to choose for this time of year, as presented by Kajsa Nickels, in “Summer Eating: The Herbal Connection” (page 38).

As always, open your heart and mind and read on.