The sun in July can be brutal and couple that with dry conditions can spell disaster. Here in zone 7 I have tried planting many crops in July, but they do require a lot more attention. Zucchinis are a great one for several reasons. First they grow incredible fast during the hot months and probably more important you can “beat” the SVBs by planting later than their egg laying period. Bush beans is another great choice. I would recommend staying away from pole beans since the harvest period is a little long for a July planting in zone 7. Lettuce, beets, turnips and many more can all be planted, but these require some protection from the harsh sun.
However It’s not too late to plant vegetables in July—but what you can plant depends on:
- Your location (USDA growing zone or region)
- Days until your first fall frost
- The type of vegetables—some mature quickly and are great for late planting
General Guidelines
- Fast-growing vegetables (30–60 days) can still be planted almost anywhere.
- Heat-loving crops can be planted in warm climates.
- Fall crops can be started now in many areas, especially leafy greens and root crops.
Vegetables You Can Still Plant in July (Most Areas)
| Type | Examples | Matures In |
|---|---|---|
| Leafy Greens | Lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard | 30–60 days |
| Root Veggies | Carrots, beets, turnips, radishes | 30–70 days |
| Legumes | Bush beans, snap peas | 50–60 days |
| Brassicas | Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower (for fall) | 60–80 days |
| Heat-lovers | Zucchini, cucumbers, okra, corn (Zone 8+) | 50–90 days |
Quick Way to Know if It’s Too Late
- Find your average first frost date
- Look at the days to maturity for the veggie you want
- Subtract:
Frost date – Days to maturity
If the result is 30+ days, you’re still good to plant!
Warm or Hot Climates (USDA Zones 8–11)
You can plant a second summer crop or even fall crops now:
- Beans (bush and pole)
- Okra
- Sweet corn
- Cucumbers
- Summer squash
- Zucchini
- Melons (if you have a long growing season)
- Tomatoes (especially heat-tolerant varieties or cherry tomatoes)
- Peppers (if you have 60+ frost-free days left)
Also start cool-season crops indoors for fall:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
Mild/Temperate Climates (Zones 5–7)
Focus on fast-growing or fall-harvest vegetables:
- Bush beans
- Carrots
- Beets
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Lettuce (start shaded or indoors)
- Spinach (late July or early August)
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Peas (for fall harvest)
- Broccoli (transplant or seed for fall)
Cooler Climates (Zones 3–4)
You’re limited to short-season crops or fall crops now:
- Radishes
- Leaf lettuce
- Spinach
- Turnips
- Mustard greens
- Kale
- Green onions
Start fall brassicas indoors (like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) if you’re planning a fall harvest.
I really like a fall garden for many reasons. The weed pressure isnt as great, the pests are as bad, and the temperature is much nicer.
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