What to Plant in July: Quick-Growing Vegetables

Got some unexpected space in your vegetable garden? Sometimes this happens due to failed crops, early harvested plants, or other events that were unforeseen. When you’re growing food, though, you want to maximize the space in your garden, but you don’t want to plant too late and have your vegetable plants die by the first frost. That’s why we’re going to discuss what to plant in July so you can have a successful fall harvest.

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Consider Time to Harvest and Heat Tolerance

Certain vegetables can be planted mid-summer but will still yield a harvest in the fall. It’s crucial to choose vegetables that can germinate and grow in hot weather while maturing quickly and yielding fruit before frost hits.

There are some veggie plants, however, that are not ideal for July planting. Hot peppers, squash, and corn, for example, can certainly withstand high temperatures, but their growing period is often long, and you won’t get to the harvest time before frost hits.

Additionally, growing cucumbers isn’t the best route to take in July. These plants don’t tolerate heat well when they’re just sprouting, so you’ll want to avoid planting them mid-summer.

Leafy Greens that Grow Quickly

While many leafy greens are cool-weather plants, they also tend to grow fast. If you’d love some quick green goodness in a month or two, grow these hearty leafy greens in an area that gets some shade. The shade should combat the high heat and allow your leafy greens to flourish.

Alternatively, find heat-resistant varieties of leafy greens.

Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-packed leafy green that thrives in cooler temperatures. However, certain varieties are suitable for summer planting. Look for heat-tolerant spinach varieties such as Malabar or New Zealand spinach. These varieties can handle the warmer temperatures of July and still produce delicious leaves for salads or cooking.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is another leafy green that can withstand heat better than traditional spinach. It’s a versatile vegetable with colorful stems and large, tender leaves. Swiss chard varieties like ‘Bright Lights’ or ‘Ruby Red’ can be sown in July and provide a bountiful harvest throughout the summer and fall.

Collard Greens

Collard greens are known for their hardiness and ability to grow in hot climates. They are rich in nutrients and have a slightly bitter taste. Planting collard greens in July allows you to enjoy a continuous supply of fresh greens well into the cooler months.

Lettuce

Although lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, certain heat-tolerant varieties are suitable for planting in July. Look for varieties like ‘Black-Seeded Simpson’ or ‘Jericho’ lettuce, which can withstand the summer heat and still produce crisp, flavorful leaves.

Kale

Kale is a superfood packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s a resilient vegetable that can tolerate heat and continue growing throughout the summer. Consider planting kale varieties like ‘Red Russian’ or ‘Lacinato’ in July for a nutritious addition to your garden.

Mustard Greens

Mustard greens have a peppery flavor and are quick-growing leafy vegetables. They thrive in hot weather and are ideal for summer planting. Varieties such as ‘Southern Giant Curled’ or ‘Red Giant’ can be sown in July and harvested within a few weeks.

Cruciferous Vegetable Plants That Will Germinate in July

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritious cruciferous vegetable that prefers cooler temperatures. However, certain varieties are suitable for summer planting. Look for heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Belstar’ or ‘Calabrese’ broccoli, which can be sown in July and provide a harvest later in the season.

Cauliflower

Similar to broccoli, cauliflower is a cool-season crop. However, there are some heat-tolerant varieties that can be planted in July for a late-season harvest. Consider planting varieties such as ‘Purple Cape’ or ‘Cheddar’ cauliflower for their ability to withstand warmer temperatures.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are known for their delicious mini-cabbages and are generally grown as a fall crop. Planting Brussels sprouts in July allows them to mature during the cooler months. Choose varieties like ‘Long Island Improved’ or ‘Diablo’ for successful growth.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that appears in various dishes. While it prefers cooler weather, certain heat-tolerant cabbage varieties can be planted in July for a late-season harvest. Look for varieties such as ‘Golden Acre’ or ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ that can withstand warmer temperatures.

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable with a mild flavor and crisp texture. It’s a member of the cabbage family and can be planted in July for a late-season harvest. Grow varieties like ‘Early White Vienna’ or ‘Purple Vienna’ during the summer months.

Root Vegetables to Plant Mid-Summer for Fall Harvest

Beets

Beets are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable to plant in mid-summer for a fall harvest. They tolerate heat well and you can sow them directly into the garden in July. Varieties like ‘Detroit Dark Red’ or ‘Chioggia’ offer excellent taste and color.

Turnips

Turnips are fast-growing root vegetables that you can plant in July for a fall harvest. They prefer cooler temperatures, making them ideal for planting as summer starts to transition into fall. Look for varieties like ‘Purple Top White Globe’ or ‘Tokyo Cross’ for a successful crop.

Radishes

Radishes are known for their rapid growth and ability to thrive in cool weather. Planting radishes in July allows for a quick harvest before the temperatures cool down further. Varieties like ‘Cherry Belle’ or ‘French Breakfast’ can be sown for their crisp, peppery roots.

Herbs You Can Plant in July for Quick Harvesting

Cilantro

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a popular herb that pops up in various cuisines. It bolts quickly in hot weather, but planting it in July can allow for a late summer harvest. Harvest the leaves for fresh flavor and let some plants go to seed for coriander spice.

Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb commonly used in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. It thrives in warm weather and can be planted in July for a late summer harvest. Consider varieties like ‘Genovese’ or ‘Sweet Thai’ for their distinct flavors.

Green Onion

Green onions, also known as scallions, are versatile herbs that add a fresh taste to many dishes. Plant them throughout the summer, including in July, for a continuous supply of tender, flavorful green stems.

Other Vegetable Plants with Quick Maturity

Peas

You can plant certain varieties of peas in July, such as snap peas or snow peas, for a fall harvest. These peas tend to mature more quickly than traditional shelling peas, allowing you to enjoy their sweet, crisp pods as the weather cools.

Bush Beans

Growing beans is a rewarding process, but many pole varieties take a long time to harvest. Bush beans, however, are compact plants that produce an abundance of green beans. They have a shorter growing season compared to pole beans, making them suitable for planting in July for a late summer harvest. Look for varieties like ‘Provider’ or ‘Contender’ for excellent flavor and productivity.

Don’t Waste That Mid-Summer Garden Space!

When unexpected space becomes available in your vegetable garden, figuring out what to plant in July can ensure a productive and bountiful harvest. Choose heat-tolerant leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, root vegetables, fresh herbs, and quick-maturing crops that can thrive in hot weather and mature quickly.

By utilizing this guide, you can make the most of your garden plot and enjoy a variety of fresh and nutritious vegetables throughout the summer and into the fall.