14 Vegetables to Plant in July

Some of the best vegetables to plant in July require a bit of finesse when it comes to seasonal timing. With climbing temperatures and long days, July is a great month for growing crops. However, to ensure they survive, many fruits and veggies need to be established and more developed before they can beat the heat. No matter what you decide to plant, keeping them hydrated during this summer month is a must!

So, what might some of the best vegetables to plant in July be? It isn’t too late to plant established starts of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and summer squashes in most Hardiness Zones. You can also plant some veggies that will mature by early fall such as bok choi, chard, fennel, kale, and winter squashes. Pumpkins are also a great option, as are green onions. Just be sure to water everything a bit more than you expect!

Knowing your Hardiness Zone and full-sun locations will be necessary before you plant anything during the month of July. With a bit of planning and patience, July can still be a fruitful time to start or progress your garden! Here are some of the veggies that are most likely to grow during this warm month.

The 14 Best Vegetables to Plant in July

Before you rush out to the hardware store or garden center for some of these veggies, do a bit of research on varieties of whatever crop you are considering. July can be a bit late in the year to plant things, but many different vegetables have fast-growing cultivars to choose from. If you time it right, you can still get a harvest before your fall frost date occurs! With this in mind, let’s take a look at 14 potential vegetables to plant in July.

Summer Lettuce Varieties

With fast germination times and plenty of options to choose from, you may want to consider growing some lettuce this summer. Keep in mind that some types of lettuce grow better in high temperatures, with options that are slow to bolt and quick to grow. Some summer lettuce types to consider are butterhead, crisphead, and romaine. Just make sure you choose a cultivar that can tolerate hot temps! Lettuce is versatile in a summer garden, but keep in mind that some varieties may need shade during the hottest parts of the afternoon.

Pumpkins

Most varieties of pumpkin need over 100 days to mature, so if you want a carvable pumpkin by Halloween, you may want to opt for an established plant rather than growing from seed in July. Pumpkins need ample space to spread their vines and full sunshine, preferring composted soil and plenty of water when they’re young. They also do best when planted in hills or mounds of rich soil, allowing them the space and drainage qualities they need to thrive! There are endless types of pumpkins out there to consider, so have fun finding your favorite.

Leeks

Often needing close to 150 days to mature depending on the variety, some types of leeks can be planted in July for a delicious fall harvest! Leeks are more cold tolerant than heat tolerant, but their early growing days are deep underground. Plant your leek seeds at least 8 inches deep, and be sure to cover them with straw so that they stay moist throughout the summer. Keeping them moist is key to their survival, especially during July. Leeks are wonderful in that they overwinter with relative ease!

Winter Squash

Similarly to pumpkins (which are technically winter squash!), most winter squashes need 3 months to mature. There are countless types of winter squash, with butternut, spaghetti, and acorn being among the most popular. You can grow winter squashes in a similar fashion as pumpkins: full sunshine, in mounds of composted soil, and with plenty of space to spread out. However, some varieties can be planted vertically in containers if you don’t have a lot of space. Differing from summer squash, winter squash should be cured after harvesting.

Tomatoes

Contrary to popular belief, July isn’t too late for tomatoes! While you’ll definitely want to purchase an established plant, tomatoes grow quickly in the hot July sunshine. Plus, you have so many different types and varieties to choose from that it’ll be easy to find an option that either matures quickly or stands up to slightly colder temperatures in case your summertime fades faster than you expect. Full sunshine makes tomatoes the tastiest. Watch out for pests as your plant matures.

Summer Squash

Just like tomatoes, it isn’t too late to plant some established summer squash plants. Keep in mind that you likely won’t get a very large harvest if you’ve waited this long to get your zucchini or crooknecks going. However, you’ll likely still have plenty before frosty conditions set in! Summer squashes need space to roam, or you can grow them vertically; full sun is a must. Watering these plants at the soil level rather than from above can help cut down on certain diseases, such as downy mildew.

Cucumbers

Another vining option that you can grow vertically, especially in containers, is cucumbers. These tasty guys should be purchased as established plants in July to maximize your growing season. Cucumbers need full sunshine to mature and prefer moist, not soggy, soil. There are tons of different types of cucumbers, including burpless and ones that are perfect for pickling. For the most part, cucumbers aren’t fussy so long as they are regularly watered and given a bit of compost to start!

Fennel

Depending on your Zone, July may be a great month to plant fennel. Preferring growing temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, fennel matures within 60-90 days, depending on the variety. If you live in a fairly mild climate, you can grow fennel without much fuss. There are two primary types of fennel: Florence fennel (grown for its root or bulb) and common fennel (grown for its herby foliage). Both are grown in full sunshine and do well in containers. Some crops are adversely affected by fennel, so keep this in mind when choosing a planting location!

Peppers

Just like tomatoes, there are enough pepper varieties to choose from that you’ll likely be able to find an option that works for July planting. Peppers need full sunshine and a bit of fertilizer when you first plant them, but they are relatively unfussy crops. Plus, plenty of varieties can be grown in containers or small spaces, giving you the flexibility to use your garden space how you like. Opting for a frost-tolerant pepper variety may help you extend the growing season and keep the harvest coming.

Green Beans

Often planted in springtime, you may be able to grow one last batch of beans before frosty conditions make it unviable. Maturing in two months on average, beans come in a pole or trellis variety and a non-climbing type known as bush beans. You can easily grow beans in containers, garden beds, or in the ground. They prefer full sunshine and moist soil but otherwise don’t need much care. Be sure to plant beans from seed, as their root system doesn’t transplant well from small containers!

Bok Choy

Only certain Zones can grow bok choy in July, as this is most definitely a cool-weather crop. Also called pak choi, bok choy is a cabbage variety that can grow in partial shade, giving you more options in your garden. Needing plenty of compost or fertilizer to thrive, bok choy can be started from seed during July so long as your temperatures don’t get too hot. When in doubt, look for a variety that is slower to bolt– this is a common trait for many types of bok choy!

Kale

Another leafy green that doesn’t love the heat, certain kale varieties can be slow to bolt if you’re worried about your temperatures in July. Plant kale from seed in full sun and give them plenty of fertilizer throughout the growing season. Keep in mind that hot temperatures will make your kale bitter; if you notice this happening when you harvest, you may want to delay planting these nutritious greens until fall! This is a crop that easily overwinters with proper protection.

Swiss Chard

A fast-growing and equally nutritious green like kale, swiss chard is an easy vegetable to plant in July. You can grow chard from seed; opt for a heat-tolerant variety, as many types of chard prefer cooler temperatures. Harvest chard leaves of any size and sow more seeds whenever you harvest so that you have a continual supply. Chard doesn’t need much extra fertilizing or care so long as you plant it in full sun and well-draining soil!

Green Onions

Also, a great crop for overwintering, green onions are easy to plant and forget about. While green onions prefer slightly cooler temperatures, most regions can still grow these tasty onions from seed in July. You can plant green onions in containers which may offer them protection from weeds and harsh weather conditions. Full sunshine is a must; leave the roots intact for a continual harvest!

Summary of 14 Vegetables to Plant in July

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