What to Plant in July 🌱 15 Crops You Can Still Grow This Year

Many gardeners assume that by the time July rolls around, the planting season is over. But that's one of the biggest gardening myths!

In fact, July is one of my favorite months in the garden because it's the perfect time to think ahead. As spring crops finish producing, valuable garden space opens up for a whole new round of vegetables. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh harvests well into the fall.

If you're gardening in Zone 7 like I am, you still have plenty of opportunities to grow delicious vegetables, herbs, and flowers before the first frost.

Here's everything I'm planting in July this year.

Vegetables You Can Direct Sow in July

These crops love warm soil and can be planted directly into the garden.

1. Bush Beans

Bush beans grow quickly and are often ready to harvest in about 50 to 60 days. They're one of my favorite crops for filling empty garden beds after spring vegetables are finished.

2. Cucumbers

If your first cucumber plants are slowing down, July is a great time to sow another round for a late-summer harvest.

3. Summer Squash

Zucchini and yellow squash grow incredibly fast. Planting another round now helps extend your harvest into early fall.

4. Basil

Basil absolutely thrives in the summer heat. Keep planting throughout July for fresh pesto, homemade sauces, and drying for winter.

Start These Fall Crops Now

Although these vegetables prefer cooler temperatures, July is the perfect time to get them started.

5. Broccoli

Start seeds indoors or in a shaded location to protect young seedlings from extreme summer heat.

6. Cabbage

Cabbage develops beautifully as temperatures cool in late summer and early fall.

7. Cauliflower

Like broccoli, cauliflower benefits from getting an early start before cooler weather arrives.

8. Kale

Kale is one of my favorite fall vegetables because its flavor becomes sweeter after the first frost.

9. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard tolerates heat well and continues producing until frost with regular harvesting.

Root Crops That Thrive in July

Root vegetables often get overlooked this time of year, but many perform exceptionally well when planted in midsummer.

10. Carrots

Keep the soil consistently moist while seeds germinate. A light layer of mulch can help prevent the soil from drying out.

11. Beets

Beets grow quickly and produce both delicious roots and edible greens.

12. Turnips

Turnips mature rapidly and are perfect for fall soups and roasting.

13. Radishes

One of the fastest vegetables you can grow. Some varieties are ready to harvest in as little as 25 to 30 days.

Don't Forget Flowers

Your vegetable garden benefits from flowers, too!

14. Zinnias

Zinnias bloom continuously until frost and attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators.

15. Sunflowers

Many sunflower varieties planted in July will still produce beautiful blooms before the end of the season while attracting pollinators and birds.

Three Tips for Successful July Planting

Water Deeply Before Planting

Moisten the soil before sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings. This encourages deeper root growth and reduces transplant stress.

Use Shade Cloth

New seedlings appreciate a little afternoon protection during the hottest part of summer. Shade cloth can dramatically improve germination and transplant success.

Mulch Everything

Mulch helps regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and slowly improves your soil as it breaks down.

Final Thoughts

If you've been thinking it's too late to plant, I hope this encourages you to get back outside.

July isn't the end of the gardening season. It's the beginning of your fall harvest.

Even a few packets of seeds planted today can provide weeks—or even months—of fresh food for your family.

Happy gardening!