Think it’s too late to start a garden in July? Think again! While spring might be the prime time for planting, July still offers a golden window to grow vegetables that mature fast and thrive in warm soil. With the right picks, you can enjoy a delicious harvest before the first frost hits.
So, don’t hang up your gardening gloves just yet. Here are 12 fast-growing veggies you can plant in July for a fresh, flavorful harvest come late summer.
1. Bush beans
Bush beans are quick to sprout and even quicker to harvest—often in just 45 to 60 days. They love the summer heat and don’t need much space. Sow them directly into the soil, water regularly, and they’ll reward you with crisp, tender pods before summer ends.
2. Zucchini
Zucchini is a garden overachiever. Plant it in July, and you could be picking your first fruits in just 6 weeks. As long as it gets plenty of sun and consistent moisture, this squash will grow like crazy.
3. Cucumbers
Cucumbers love warm soil, making July an ideal time to start them. Go for bush varieties if you’re tight on space or grow vining types with a trellis. Expect your first harvest in 50 to 65 days.
4. Radishes
Need instant gratification? Radishes are ready to harvest in as little as 3 weeks. These spicy little roots love loose soil and cool nights, which start returning in late summer.
5. Lettuce
While lettuce prefers cooler weather, you can still sneak in a July crop—just choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Jericho’ or ‘Buttercrunch’. Grow in partial shade and keep it well-watered for a fast harvest in 30–45 days.
6. Beets
Beets aren’t just for fall planting—you can sow them in July too. You’ll get sweet, tender roots in 55–70 days, and bonus: the greens are edible and packed with nutrients.
7. Swiss Chard
Chard grows well in the heat and gives a continuous harvest all season long. Start it in July, and you’ll have lush, colorful greens in 30–60 days. Unlike spinach, it won’t bolt as fast in the heat.
8. Turnips
Turnips are another fast-growing root crop that does well in summer’s tail end. Plant in July and harvest both greens and roots in 40–60 days.
9. Green Onions (Scallions)
Green onions are perfect for late planting. They grow quickly from seed or sets and are ready in 30–50 days. You can even harvest them earlier as baby onions.
10. Kale
Kale thrives in cool fall weather, but it benefits from a summer start. Plant in July, and by late August or early September, you’ll have a crop of tender, slightly sweeter leaves.
11. Arugula
Arugula is one of those leafy greens that matures fast—think 20 to 40 days. Sow every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest through late summer and early fall.
12. Spinach (Fall Varieties)
If your summer isn’t scorching hot, try a fall spinach variety like ‘Bloomsdale’. Plant in late July and harvest before the days shorten too much. Keep the soil moist and cool.
Quick Tips for July Vegetable Planting
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Water deeply and consistently—July heat dries out soil fast.
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Mulch your beds to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.
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Watch out for pests like aphids and beetles, which love late-summer gardens.
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Use shade cloth for delicate greens during heatwaves.
Final Thoughts: July Gardening Is Worth It!
Don’t let the calendar stop you from getting your hands in the dirt. With the right choices, you can still enjoy a thriving veggie patch and a flavorful harvest before the season winds down.
So grab those seeds, soak up the sun, and plant with purpose—your late-summer meals will thank you.
