July may seem like it’s too late to plant a garden, but the warm weather and longer days make it a great time to start certain vegetables. If you’re looking to maximize your summer harvest or get a head start on a fall garden, July is a perfect planting month for many crops. Here’s a list of vegetables that thrive when planted in July:
1. Carrots
Carrots are perfect for July planting, especially if you want a fall harvest. They prefer well-drained, loose soil, and you can sow them directly into the ground. They grow well in warm weather but appreciate cooler autumn temperatures as they mature. For best results, keep the soil moist to encourage good root growth.
2. Beets
Beets are another great choice for July. These root vegetables tolerate the heat but also thrive as the temperatures begin to drop later in the season. Plus, you can harvest both the greens and the roots, so you’re getting double the reward!
3. Bush Beans
Bush beans grow fast, making them an ideal vegetable to plant in July. They love the heat and can produce a bountiful harvest in as little as 60 days. Make sure they have plenty of water, and you’ll be enjoying fresh beans before you know it.
4. Radishes
Radishes grow extremely fast, often ready to harvest in just three to four weeks. You can plant them throughout July for a quick and easy crop that doesn’t mind the heat. Radishes are also great for small spaces, making them perfect for container gardening.
5. Spinach
Spinach loves cool weather, so planting it in late July gives you a head start on a fall crop. Look for heat-tolerant varieties, and you can still get a great yield as the weather starts to cool. It’s a quick grower, so you’ll be harvesting leafy greens in no time.
6. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a resilient green that can withstand the summer heat and continue producing well into the fall. You can harvest the outer leaves while letting the inner ones keep growing, giving you a continual supply of this nutritious vegetable.
7. Cucumbers
If you love fresh cucumbers for salads or pickles, July is a great time to plant them. They grow quickly and love the warm summer temperatures. Just give them plenty of water and a sunny spot, and you’ll have cucumbers in about 50-70 days.
8. Zucchini and Summer Squash
Zucchini and summer squash thrive in warm weather, and July gives them plenty of heat to grow. These plants produce prolifically, so you won’t have to wait long before you’re harvesting fresh squash. Be sure to give them enough space to spread out.
9. Kale
While kale prefers cooler weather, planting it in late July means it will be ready to harvest as the temperatures drop in fall. Kale is quite hardy and even sweeter after it’s been touched by a light frost. It’s a great leafy green to plant late in the season.
10. Broccoli
For a fall harvest, broccoli can be started in July. While it doesn’t love the extreme heat, planting it in the later part of the month gives it time to grow as the cooler temperatures arrive. Keep the soil consistently moist to help it along.
Even in the middle of summer, July offers plenty of opportunities for planting. With the right vegetables, you can enjoy fresh produce in the fall and even extend your garden’s productivity well into the cooler months. Whether you’re looking to grow quick crops like radishes or planning ahead for a fall harvest with kale or broccoli, there’s plenty you can still plant and enjoy.