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As the heat of July comes into full force, it can sometimes feel like the time for planting and growing new things has passed us by. But there are many different flowers and vegetable crops that, if planted during mid-summer, will reward us with a floral display and abundant yields well into fall.
You can start some from seeds and others from young plants. And depending on where you live in the country, choosing the right ones for your climate is key.
So, to get you on the right track, let’s take a look at all the things to grow in July.
Snapdragons
Sow snapdragons in July, and you can expect vibrant blooms from late summer to fall. These are perfect for cutting and floral displays in your home. Snapdragons are best sown in modules and then transplanted outside after a few weeks. Pick a spot with afternoon shade to protect them from intense heat.
Alyssum
Alyssum produces clusters of tiny fragrant blooms from late summer to frost that attract beneficial insects to your garden. Sow the seeds directly in the ground in full sun or partial shade, watering regularly until germination occurs.
Melons
All types of melons, including cantaloupes and watermelons, need plenty of sunshine and warm soil to thrive. Summer-sown melons will grow rapidly, producing a crop in late summer to early fall. Provide plenty of space in nutrient-rich soil for these hungry plants, and make sure to water regularly.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a cool-season crop, but sowing a few seeds in July gives you a head start on the fall growing season. Swiss chard comes in several different colors and will produce a rainbow of nutritious leaves until late fall.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a cool-weather crop that can be planted mid-summer for a fall harvest. Kohlrabi grows with a bulbous stem that demands substantial nutrients from the soil. Kohlrabi has a relatively short growing season, typically around 55-60 days, which makes it great for mid-summer planting.
Calendula
Sow calendula seeds directly in the garden in July and you can expect cheerful blooms from late summer to the first frosts of winter.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers will grow quickly in warm weather, producing tall, cheerful blooms from late summer to fall. Sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil in a sunny location.
These majestic plants grow quickly, reaching for the sky, offering seeds for birds and beauty for your yard.
Marigolds
Marigolds are hugely beneficial in the vegetable garden, attracting an array of insects that help to pollinate crops and keep garden pests at bay. Sow marigold seeds directly in full sun in July, and they will flower right through the first frost. These hardy, pest-resistant flowers thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil.
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Spinach
Spinach often bolts in warmer weather, but if protected from direct sun with shade cloth will produce a crop of nutrient-rich leaves in 30-40 days, ideal for fresh salads. For best results, opt for heat-resistant varieties that are less prone to bolting.
Zinnias
Plant zinnias to keep your ornamental borders producing a glorious display right into fall. Zinnias are perfect for a quick color boost in your garden and flower rapidly in summer heat. Sow zinnias directly on the ground in July. Zinnias thrive in full sun and heat but require regular watering during dry spells. They attract butterflies and serve as excellent cut flowers for home decoration.
Cosmos
Cosmos are another great mid-summer addition to ornamental flower borders, producing delicate, daisy-like blooms. They tolerate summer heat well and add height and movement to garden beds, attracting pollinators with their delicate, daisy-like flowers.
Cosmos seeds can be sown directly in the ground and will thrive in full sun and poor soil. The variety of colors—pink, white, red, orange, and purple—ensures a match for any garden theme.
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Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are known for their trailing growth and bright green leaves complemented by orange, yellow, and red flowers.
Sow nasturtiums directly in the ground in well-drained soil and full sun for a stunning display of blooms from mid-summer to the first frost. Nasturtiums make a good trap crop for pests such as aphids and caterpillars.
Beets
Sowing beets in July gives a head-start on the fall growing season, enabling you to harvest sweet roots and tender greens in about 50-60 days. Seeds can be sown in modules or directly in the ground, but make sure to keep the soil consistently moist.
Peas
Peas are often thought of as a cool-season crop and are normally grow in the spring, However, a second sowing in July with give delicious harvests from late summer to early fall.
Kale
Kale is the perfect winter crop for your balcony vegetable garden. This leafy green thrives in cooler temperatures and will produce a continuous supply of delicious leaves from fall to spring. Kale can withstand frost, hail, snow, and icy winds, making it one of the most robust balcony crops you can grow.
Morning Glory
Morning glories need full sun and can tolerate heat well. Sow the seeds directly in the ground in July for beautiful, climbing blooms from mid-summer to late fall.
Beans
Both bush and pole beans can be planted in July. A second sowing of pole and bush beans in July extends the harvest season of these summer vegetable crops.
A good technique to use is to sow a row of bush beans alongside a row of pole beans to maximize the use of space. The first tender pods will be ready to harvest in around 60 days.
Pole beans will need support like a trellis or stakes, and harvesting regularly will encourage continued production.
Cucumber
A second sowing of cucumbers in July extends the harvest period of this delicious salad vegetable, enabling you to pick crisp cucumbers from late summer to early fall. Seeds sown directly in the ground will germinate quickly in warm weather and start producing a crop within just a few weeks.
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Carrots
Carrot seeds germinate well in warm weather provided the soil is kept consistently sweet. Sow seeds directly in the ground in July for harvests of sweet and crunchy roots in about 70-80 days.
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Dill
Plant dill in July. It’s an excellent companion plant that can help repel pests around the garden.
Radishes
Radishes should be sown every few weeks from late spring onwards to give regular harvests. July-sown radish seeds grow quickly and you can expect to harvest the first crisp roots in about 30 days.
Zucchini
When sown directly in the ground, zucchini and summer squash grow rapidly and will start producing tender fruits in about 50-60 days. Most gardeners sow these low-maintenance plants in late spring, but an extra sowing in July results in extra harvests until the first frost.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are great for growing in July. Pair with sage for maximizing space and resources in your garden, promoting healthy growth for both plants.
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Broccoli
Broccoli can be sown in July for a fall harvest. Sow seeds in modules and transplant them after a few weeks, providing shade and consistent watering until the plants are well-established.
Cabbage
All brassica crops, including cabbages, can be sown in July for a fall harvest. Sow the seeds in modules and transplant them after a few weeks. Provide shade and consistent watering until the plants are well-established. Cabbage thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
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Corn
This is your last chance to plant corn. If you plan to do it, buy starts. Corn thrives in full sun and needs well-moisturized soil to grow well.
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