31 Crops to Plant in July for a Thriving Garden All Year Long

July is no one's first pick for planting season. It’s hot, the soil is dry, and let’s be honest – by now, most gardeners are either drowning in zucchini or just trying to keep things alive.

But July isn’t a dead zone. It’s actually a sweet spot for planting all kinds of crops (if you know what to put in the ground and how to help it survive the heat).

This is when warm-soil lovers thrive. Beans shoot up fast. Cucumbers get busy. And if you're in a zone with a long growing season, you’ve got even more options – peppers, melons, even pumpkins for fall.

This article breaks it all down. What to plant. Why it works. When to get it in the soil. We’re covering vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers – even cover crops, if you’re taking a break but still want to feed your soil.

Ready to get the most out of July?

Vegetables to Plant in July

Some vegetables actually prefer the heat – or at least handle it well enough to grow strong and fast in July’s warm soil. Whether you're filling gaps from spring harvests or squeezing in a last-minute crop, these choices will keep your garden producing straight through fall.

1. Beans (Bush and Pole)

Beans don’t care that it’s July. In fact, they love it. Warm soil? Check. Long days? Check. Fast germination? Absolutely.

Bush beans are especially well-suited for midsummer planting because they don’t mess around – they grow fast, they flower fast, and then boom, you’ve got a whole flush of pods ready for dinner or the canner. Pole beans take a bit longer but they keep producing as long as you keep picking.

You don’t even have to dedicate a huge bed to them. Got an empty patch where the lettuce bolted? Toss some bean seeds in there. If you time it right and keep sowing every 7–10 days, you’ll get a steady stream of green beans rolling in until fall.

Need a few suggestions? Try ‘Mascotte’ if you’re tight on space or want something for a container. ‘Blue Lake FM-1K Pole’ and ‘Seychelles’ are solid climbers with big yields.

Just one caution: beans don’t like frost. Most varieties take 45–50 days to mature, so make sure your first frost date gives them enough runway.

2. Squash and Zucchini

If your earlier squash got wrecked by pests (or just wore themselves out), July is your chance to start fresh. The soil is warm enough to get seeds sprouting in no time, and fast-growing varieties can have you harvesting again before fall sets in.

A lot of gardeners stagger their squash plantings (April, July, even August) to dodge pests like squash vine borers. It works surprisingly well. Instead of battling sickly vines, you just let the new batch take over.

Go with bush types if space is tight, or vining ones if you’ve got room and want a deeper flavor. Either way, keep them well-watered and don’t skip the mulch – summer heat dries things out fast.

3. Cucumbers

Cucumbers in July? Totally doable – and honestly, kind of ideal. They germinate quickly in warm soil and absolutely thrive in the heat. Plus, you can get another harvest rolling just in time for pickling season.

They do need something to climb on (unless you go with bush types), so have a trellis ready or plan to grow them in containers. ‘Homemade Pickles', ‘Double Yield', and ‘Sumter' are all great options, depending on whether you want slicers or picklers.

If your first round of cukes is looking tired or bug-bitten, don’t hesitate. Replant now and enjoy fresh ones right into early fall.

4. Tomatoes

Yes, even in July. You can still grow tomatoes, but now’s not the time to gamble with seeds unless you live in a long-season zone. Go with transplants – small-fruited or fast-maturing types are your best bet. Think cherry tomatoes or early varieties like ‘Valentine’ or ‘Goodhearted.’

One tip that really helps: plant in the evening. It’s cooler, and your tomato plants won’t get hit with sun stress right after going in the ground.

This second round of tomatoes is especially smart if your spring batch got hit by disease, pests, or just didn’t do well. With the right variety and a bit of care, you’ll be eating fresh tomatoes straight into fall – maybe even longer if you're in Zones 8–10.

5. Corn

Corn might seem like a spring thing, but mid-summer planting actually has its advantages. Storms are less likely to knock it down, and by now, there’s probably some freed-up space where earlier crops used to be.

Just know that corn is thirsty. Like, very thirsty. July’s heat dries soil fast, so make sure you’ve got a solid watering system in place – drip lines, soaker hoses, something consistent.

You’ll want to go with early varieties – ‘Bodacious’, ‘Sugar Buns’, or ‘Early Golden Bantam’ are all solid picks. And don’t wait too long. First week of July is usually the cut-off point if you want a good harvest before frost shows up.

6. Okra

If your summers regularly hit the 90s, okra is your crop. It doesn’t just tolerate the heat – it practically demands it. Seeds germinate fast in hot soil, and once the plants get going, they don’t slow down.

The pods grow quick. Like, check-them-every-day quick. Miss a couple days and you’ll end up with tough, woody okra no one wants to chew.

Stick with a short-season variety if frost creeps up early where you are. And if you’ve never grown okra before? Be ready for how tall it gets – some varieties can hit 5–6 feet with ease.

7. Peppers

Peppers love the heat, and July is still a perfectly good time to plant them – as long as you use transplants. Starting from seed now won’t give you enough time before the weather turns cool.

You’ve got options here. Bell peppers, cayenne, banana – whatever you like. In southern zones (8–10), they’ll keep going right into early winter if frost holds off.

Give them lots of sun, decent soil, and steady water. If you keep them happy, you’ll get a nice late-season harvest without much trouble.

8. Black Eyed Peas (Cowpeas, Purple Hull Peas)

These are absolute champs in hot weather. If you’re gardening in the South, black eyed peas are one of the easiest mid-summer crops to count on.

They don’t need much attention – just warm soil, sun, and maybe a trellis to keep things tidy. They’ll climb if you let them, and keeping the pods off the ground means less rot and easier picking.

The best part? They give you two payoffs: the peas themselves and the nitrogen they leave behind in the soil. It’s a win-win crop, and July is prime time to start them.

9. Root Vegetables (Carrots, Beets, Radishes, Turnips)

Root veggies in the heat? Surprisingly, yes – if you choose fast-growing varieties and get them in by mid-July, especially in cooler zones.

Carrots and beets, for example, actually improve in flavor after a light frost. It boosts their sugar content and gives you that sweet, earthy taste that only late-season roots can deliver.

Go with options like ‘Little Finger’ carrots or a quick-maturing beet mix. Radishes are the speed demons of the bunch (some mature in just 3 weeks) and turnips give you both roots and greens.

Just remember: these won’t handle a hard freeze, so keep an eye on your frost dates.

10. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Lettuce, Swiss Chard)

July isn’t the easiest time for greens – they're delicate, they wilt fast, and they bolt in the heat. But with the right approach, you can still make it work.

In cooler zones, spinach can go straight into the ground now and give you a nice crop before frost. ‘Bloomsdale No. 5’ is a solid variety.

In hotter areas, skip the traditional stuff and go with Malabar spinach – a heat-loving vining plant that looks tropical and keeps producing even when it’s blazing out.

Swiss chard is a surprisingly tough green. Sow it now and it’ll give you harvests in the fall and possibly even overwinter if your climate’s mild.

Lettuce is trickier, but if you focus on cut-and-come-again types and grow in partial shade, you’ll get enough baby greens to make it worth your while.

11. Brassicas (Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, etc.)

These guys shine in fall – and that means you’ve got to start them in July.

Broccoli, kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts – they all grow fast in summer warmth but really hit their stride when the nights cool off. Light frosts even sweeten the flavor, especially in kale and Brussels sprouts.

The trick is timing. Start seeds now, or plant out seedlings you started earlier. Use row covers if cabbage moths are a problem (and they usually are). And space them out properly – cabbage especially likes room to spread.

Look for quick-growing varieties like ‘Calabrese’ broccoli, ‘Premier’ kale, or ‘Long Island’ Brussels sprouts. If you play it right, you’ll be harvesting well into November or even later.

12. Leeks and Green Onions

Leeks take their sweet time to grow but starting them in July can still work, especially in cooler zones (like 4 or 5). They’ll bulk up slowly as the weather cools, and by the time fall rolls around, they’ll be perfect for soups, stews, or just roasted with a little olive oil.

You can start them from seed, but if that feels too slow, look for seedlings or bunches from a local nursery. Plant them deep and hill up the soil as they grow to get those nice long white stems.

Green onions are more forgiving. They grow faster, don’t take much space, and keep popping back up after you cut them. Plant a row now and you’ll have a steady supply by early fall.

13. Sweet Potatoes & Potatoes

These two don’t grow the same way, but they both like the heat and they both fit nicely into a July planting schedule.

Sweet potatoes love to sprawl. If you’ve got an open trellis left over from peas or beans, they’ll climb it. If not, let them vine across the soil. Just keep the watering steady and mulch to hold moisture in.

Regular potatoes can be planted now, too, especially if you’ve got leftovers from your spring crop. They won’t like a hard freeze, but in zones with mild autumns, you can get a decent second harvest.

Either way, make sure they get plenty of sun and aren’t sitting in soggy soil especially if thunderstorms are a regular part of your summer weather.

14. Peas

Most folks think of peas as a spring thing. And that’s fair – they like cooler temps. But that doesn’t mean they’re off the table in July.

If you’re in a zone where the first frost hits late, go ahead and plant another round now. Peas don’t mind cooler nights, and they’ll handle a light frost better than a lot of crops. You might not get a massive yield, but even a handful of sweet snap peas in early fall is worth the effort.

They’ll need something to climb on, so don’t skip the trellis. And water them consistently – hot, dry soil is their enemy early on.

15. Eggplant, Artichoke, Gourds

These are zone-specific players – great if you’re gardening in Zones 8 through 10, or somewhere like coastal California or Hawaii (lucky you).

Eggplant and artichoke both do well with summer planting in these areas. Use transplants for a head start and give them lots of room to spread out. Artichokes can become perennial in warm zones, which is a bonus if you’ve got the space.

As for gourds – this is the time to get them going if you want them cured and ready by fall. Let them sprawl or climb, depending on your garden setup. They’re tough, low-maintenance, and kind of fun to grow just for looks (or birdhouses).

16. Pumpkin

Want pumpkins in time for Halloween or pie season? July is your last shot.

Pumpkins need space – there’s no way around that. Even the so-called “compact” varieties will sprawl. But if you’ve got about 6 to 8 square feet to spare, go for it. Choose small to mid-sized types like ‘Orange Smoothie’ or ‘Wee-B-Little’ if you’re short on room.

Plant a few seeds in each mound and thin them down once they sprout. Water regularly, especially once they start flowering and setting fruit. July heat can dry out the soil fast, and pumpkins are thirsty when they’re bulking up.

You won’t get massive carving pumpkins if you plant now – but you’ll definitely get something harvestable by fall if you stay on top of it.

17. Cover Crops

Not growing anything in a bed right now? That bare soil’s just asking for weeds. Instead of leaving it empty, plant a cover crop.

These aren’t for eating – they’re for feeding your soil. Things like buckwheat, clover, or even field peas will smother weeds, pull nutrients from deep in the soil, and break up hard patches.

When you're ready to plant again, you just mow or till them under. It’s like composting in place and it’s way better than letting the ground sit dry and cracked for the rest of the summer.

July is a fine time to start them, especially if you’re wrapping up early crops or giving part of your garden a break.

Fruits to Plant in July

Some fruits need a long season to ripen, and July gives them just enough time to make it—especially in warmer zones. Others, like container-grown berries, are more about setting up for next year. Either way, here’s what makes sense to plant now.

18. Melons

If you're gardening in a hot climate (Zones 8 through 13) July is still melon season.

These plants adore heat and sun, and they need a solid 80 to 100 days to fully ripen. So if you're starting them now, make sure your frost date is late enough to allow it.

No need for fancy starts – just plant the seeds directly into warm soil and keep them well-watered. Once they take off, they'll sprawl fast, so give them space or train them up a sturdy trellis.

Cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon – it’s all fair game. Just be sure to pick varieties suited to your season length, or you’ll end up with gorgeous vines and no fruit.

19. Blueberries

Technically, the best time to plant blueberries is from fall through early spring but container-grown bushes give you some flexibility. You can still plant them in July if you’re careful.

Avoid putting them directly in the ground during extreme heat. Instead, use large containers filled with acidic, ericaceous compost. Keep them in dappled shade if your sun is scorching, and water them consistently – blueberries hate drying out.

You probably won’t get fruit this year, but you’ll be setting the plant up to produce well in the seasons ahead. Think of it as a long-term investment with delicious returns.

20. Gooseberries

Like blueberries, gooseberries prefer cooler conditions for planting, but container-grown bushes can still go in during July – just not during a heatwave.

Find a sheltered spot with some afternoon shade, and keep the plant well-watered until it’s established. They don’t mind a bit of shade, and they’ll reward you with tart little fruits that are great for jam, baking, or just snacking (if you like a bit of zing).

Not many people grow these anymore, which is a shame – they're tough, low-maintenance, and surprisingly productive once they settle in.

Herbs to Plant in July

Herbs are one of the easiest things to slot into your garden mid-summer. Some thrive in the heat, while others are surprisingly forgiving if you time things right or give them partial shade.

21. Basil

Basil was made for July. Hot soil? Full sun? That’s exactly what it wants.

You can direct sow seeds right into the ground, or plant starts if you want faster results. Just make sure you pinch off flowers before they bloom – once it bolts, the leaves turn bitter and lose their punch.

It grows fast and stays productive if you harvest regularly. Snip a few leaves every few days and you’ll keep it bushy. Use it fresh, dry it, or freeze pesto for later – you’ll have more than enough.

22. Cilantro, Dill, Parsley

These herbs can be tricky in peak summer since they’re known to bolt fast – but if you’re past the worst of the heat, now’s a good time to give them another go.

Sow directly in a bed or container that gets some afternoon shade. Water often. They’ll still grow quickly, and if you’re aiming to dry them for winter spices, you’re golden even if they do start to flower.

Pro tip for cilantro: skip transplanting and just sow it in place. It hates having its roots disturbed. Dill and parsley are a bit more flexible, but they all prefer consistent moisture and cooler soil to hang on longer.

23. Oregano, Thyme, Mint, and Rosemary

If you're gardening in Zones 11 through 13 – think southern Florida, Hawaii, parts of Puerto Rico – most herbs don’t follow a seasonal calendar. They just keep growing.

Many common herbs like oregano, thyme, mint, and rosemary are perennials in these climates and can be planted almost any time of year. That includes July.

In fact, herbs in these zones often double as ornamental plants. You can tuck them into flower beds or let them edge veggie rows. Just give them well-drained soil and don’t overwater especially in humid places where fungal issues pop up fast.

It’s less about survival and more about controlling the growth. Some of these herbs spread aggressively, so keep an eye on them once they’re established.

Flowers to Plant in July

Flowers can easily get overlooked in mid-summer planting plans but they shouldn’t. Plenty of annuals and even some perennials thrive in the heat and bring color back to a tired garden.

24. Moss Rose (Portulaca)

This little plant doesn’t ask for much – just sun, dry soil, and space to sprawl. Moss rose, or portulaca, is practically built for July heat. It’s a low-growing succulent that flowers nonstop until frost, and it barely needs watering once it’s established.

Toss it in borders, rock gardens, or hanging baskets. It’s the kind of flower you plant once and forget about. And it still looks good.

Try varieties like ‘Mohave Fuchsia’ or ‘Mohave Tangerine’ for a burst of hot-color blooms that actually thrive when everything else is wilting.

25. Zinnias

Zinnias are the no-fuss, big-payoff flower of the summer garden. Bold, bright, and heat-hardy, they’ll bloom right through to fall with almost zero care.

They’re also magnets for pollinators – bees, butterflies, and anything else that flutters. Sow them directly where you want them to grow, and you’ll have flowers in about 60 days. Perfect for a late-summer boost of color.

‘Profusion Double Hot Cherry’ or ‘Zowie Yellow Flame’ bring serious color if your garden’s looking tired and washed out by July.

26. Pentas

Pentas are summer bloomers through and through. They come in cheerful shades (pink, purple, white) and they don’t mind the heat. At all.

Even better? Pollinators love them. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds will make regular stops, especially if you plant them in clusters.

They work well in containers or directly in beds and don’t need constant babysitting. Keep them watered and deadhead occasionally, and they’ll reward you with non-stop blooms.

Look for ‘Sunstar Pink’ or ‘Butterfly White’ if you want varieties that really hold up in mid-summer heat.

27. Marigolds

Tough. Bright. Consistent. Marigolds are about as reliable as it gets for a July planting.

They tolerate dry soil, bloom like crazy, and keep looking good until frost. Plus, they pull double duty as companion plants – repelling pests like nematodes and aphids around your veggies.

Plant them in containers, between rows, or at the edges of raised beds. ‘Big Duck Yellow’ and ‘Queen Sophia’ are favorites for a reason – they’re flashy without being fussy.

28. Lantana

If your garden’s looking crispy in the July sun, lantana is what you need. It laughs at heat and drought and still puts out clusters of saturated blooms in pinks, yellows, oranges, and purples.

Pollinators? All over it. Butterflies especially seem to treat lantana like a magnet.

You can grow it in containers or directly in the ground. In milder climates, it might even survive winter and come back next year. For bold color with minimal effort, try varieties like ‘Luscious Berry Blend’ or ‘Bandana Lemon Zest.’

29. Quick-Maturing Annuals (Calendula, Borage, Cosmos, Sunflowers)

Not every flower needs a full season. Some annuals mature fast (around 60 days or less) and July is still early enough to sneak them in.

Calendula and borage are great for pollinators, and they’ll keep blooming late into the season. Certain cosmos and sunflower varieties also move quickly – look for those labeled “early” or with shorter maturity dates.

These are great for filling gaps or replacing spring flowers that have faded. Plus, they’ll give bees and beneficial insects something to snack on while everything else is winding down.

30. Delphiniums

If you want delphiniums next year, July is your last real chance to sow them. These tall, spiky cottage-garden classics take their time but starting now means blooms next summer.

Go for single-flowered types if you’re after pollinators – bees love them. Just know they aren’t built for blazing heat, so give them some afternoon shade and make sure the soil stays moist.

They won’t look like much this season, but next year? They’ll take over that corner of your garden in the best way.

31. Container Dahlias

If you skipped planting dahlia tubers in spring, you can still add some wow factor now – with garden-ready dahlias in containers.

It’s a little more expensive than growing from tubers, but the payoff is instant. These plants bloom fast and keep going right into fall. Plus, you get to fill any awkward bare spots without having to wait months.

Dwarf varieties are perfect for pots or small spaces, while the larger ones can take over a border with bold, colorful blooms that feel just a bit over-the-top (in a good way).

July Planting Tips

Know Your Frost Dates

This one’s non-negotiable. Everything you plant in July hinges on when your first fall frost hits. A crop that takes 75 days to mature won’t make it if your frost rolls in early September.

Check with your local extension service or a solid gardening app to nail down that date. It’s the best planning tool you’ve got.

Use the Heat to Your Advantage

July’s not all bad. The warm soil speeds up germination for many crops – beans, squash, okra, cucumbers – they all jump out of the ground fast this time of year.

Water Deeply and Strategically

July heat dries out soil fast, and shallow watering won’t cut it. Aim for deep, infrequent watering that actually reaches the roots.

Best time to water? Early evening. It gives the moisture time to soak in without evaporating instantly but not so late that water just sits and invites rot or mildew.

If you’re using containers, check them daily. They dry out even faster than garden beds.

Use Transplants for a Head Start

Not everything has time to grow from seed in July especially in shorter-season climates. That’s where transplants come in handy.

Tomatoes, peppers, broccoli – using young plants instead of seeds can make the difference between a decent harvest and no harvest at all.

If you’re behind schedule or your earlier crops failed, transplants let you skip the wait and still catch the season.

Time Your Planting Right

Midday in July? Brutal. Don’t do your planting then.

Instead, aim for early morning or early evening when the sun’s lower and the soil isn’t scorching hot. Transplants especially appreciate this – less shock, more success.

Even weeding and watering go better during these cooler windows. It’s easier on you, and your plants don’t get stressed in the process.

Shade and Protect What Needs It

Some plants just can’t take the direct summer sun, especially when they’re young.

Use shade cloth, row covers, or even just a bit of temporary fencing to protect leafy greens or delicate herbs. If you're growing in containers, move them out of the afternoon blast zone.

It’s not about coddling – just helping them make it through the roughest heat so they can thrive when the weather cools a bit.

Jumpstart Your Garden This July!

Planting in July isn’t just possible – it’s actually smart, if you play it right. The warm soil helps things germinate fast. The long days push growth.

And with the right mix of crops – from heat-loving beans and squash to fast greens and fall brassicas – you can keep your garden productive all the way into autumn.

Whether you're starting fresh, replacing spent plants, or squeezing in a second harvest, July gives you options. Just keep an eye on frost dates, water consistently, and don’t be afraid to lean on transplants when you need a head start.

July gardening isn’t second best. It’s just different – and full of potential if you work with the season instead of against it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I really plant tomatoes in July?

Yes, especially if you use fast-maturing transplants. Go for smaller varieties and plant in the evening to reduce stress.

2. What’s the best vegetable to plant right now for a quick harvest?

Bush beans, radishes, and lettuce are quick wins—most mature in 30–50 days if planted now.

3. How do I keep my plants from wilting in the heat?

Water deeply in the evening, mulch heavily, and use shade cloth for sensitive crops like greens or herbs.

4. Is it worth planting root vegetables this late in the season?

Yes, as long as your frost date gives them enough time. Carrots, beets, and turnips often taste better after a light frost.

5. Should I fertilize summer plantings?

If the soil is depleted from spring crops, yes. Use compost or a balanced fertilizer to give July plantings a strong start.