When July rolls in, many gardeners think the planting season is winding down. But don’t be fooled—this month still offers a golden opportunity to grow a wide range of crops and flowers. Whether you’re in a cooler northern climate or gardening in the heat of the South, July is a month of potential, renewal, and even transition into fall gardening.

Knowing what to plant in July—and how to protect tender starts from the summer sun—can make the difference between a tired garden and a productive one.

Let’s dig in.

Start With Your Growing Zone

Your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone is your planting compass. It determines what you can grow and when. In Zones 3–6, you’ll be focusing on quick-maturing crops. Zones 7–9 can still sow summer favorites. Zones 10 and above? You’re just hitting your stride with heat-loving vegetables.

Not sure what zone you’re in? Use our Zip-to-Zone Tool to find out.

Vegetables to Plant in July – By USDA Zone

Zones 3–6 – Cool Climates

Don’t worry if your summers are short—there’s still plenty of time to get another round of veggies in the ground. Focus on crops with quick maturity dates and ones that prefer cooler fall temperatures.

• Lettuce and Spinach – Choose heat-tolerant varieties and plant in partial shade if needed. These leafy greens grow quickly and love cooler evenings.
• Bush Beans – With a 50-60 day maturity, bush beans are a great choice for a quick harvest before the frost.
• Radishes and Turnips – Fast, reliable, and ready in about 30–40 days.
• Beets – Harvest them for both roots and flavorful greens.
• Peas – In areas with mild late summers, try a late-season planting of sugar snap or snow peas.
• Kale and Chard – These nutrient-rich greens thrive in late summer and can overwinter in some zones.

Zones 7–9 – Warm and Mild Climates

Gardeners in these zones enjoy a longer growing season and can still plant a variety of summer crops in July. It’s also a good time to think ahead and prep for fall.

• Cucumbers – Choose smaller, fast-maturing pickling varieties for a steady harvest into early fall.
• Summer Squash – Zucchini and yellow squash love warm soil and will produce quickly.
• Okra – A true summer powerhouse that thrives in heat and poor soil.
• Sweet Corn – Late but possible. Choose early-maturing hybrids for a final crop.
• Herbs – Basil, dill, cilantro, and oregano can all be seeded now for extended summer use.

Zones 10–11 – Hot Climates

In tropical and desert zones, July brings intense heat—but also the chance to grow unique crops that wouldn’t thrive elsewhere.

• Southern Peas – Black-eyed peas and cowpeas are heat-tolerant and love poor soils.
• Sweet Potatoes – Plant slips now for a rich fall harvest.
• Malabar Spinach – A climbing green that laughs at the heat and adds lush foliage to your garden.
• Tropical Herbs – Lemongrass, Thai basil, and mint all love heat and humidity.

Flowers to Plant in July

Mid-summer is also a perfect time to refresh your flower beds and plan for a late-summer show.

• Zinnias – Fast-growing and vibrant, perfect for cutting and attracting butterflies.
• Cosmos – Drought-tolerant and long-blooming, ideal for filling in bare spots.
• Sunflowers – Quick to grow and a favorite of pollinators and birds alike.
• Marigolds – A natural pest deterrent and a summer classic.
• Calendula – In cooler zones, sow now for late summer to early fall blooms.

Tips for Gardening in July

• Water deeply and consistently – July’s heat can dehydrate even mature plants quickly. Early morning or evening watering is ideal.
• Use mulch – A layer of organic mulch keeps roots cool and conserves moisture.
• Provide shade – For tender seedlings, use shade cloth or companion planting with taller crops.
• Succession sowing – For crops like radishes and bush beans, plant new seeds every 2–3 weeks to ensure continuous harvests.
• Start fall crops indoors – Brassicas like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can be seeded indoors in late July for transplanting in August.

Master Gardener Tip

“Think of July as your garden’s halftime. It’s a chance to reassess, refresh, and set the stage for a strong second act. With the right crops and a little care, you can keep your beds thriving well into fall.”

Don’t Forget to Plan Ahead

While you’re planting for now, it’s also a great time to:

• Begin planning your fall garden—what worked, what didn’t, and what you want to try.
• Amend your soil with compost or slow-release organic fertilizers to give your new plantings a boost.
• Order fall seeds and bulbs early—before the rush begins and your favorites sell out.

Want help figuring out what to plant in your specific zone this month? Check out our zone-by-zone guides or sign up for our monthly newsletter for timely tips, garden inspiration, and curated tools delivered straight to your inbox.

Let July be the month your garden gets its second wind.