The Midsummer Garden: What to Plant in July

🏔️ Zones 3-5: Cool Weather Fall Sprint

In northern climates, July marks the beginning of the countdown to the first frost. The goal here is speed. Focus on "quick-to-crop" varieties that can reach maturity in 40 to 60 days or crops that will keep maturing when the cool weather settles in. We often sow many of the leafy greens, carrots, and beets again in August too.

• Vegetables: Focus on leafy greens, root crops and brassicas. spinach, kale, Swiss chard, beets, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, small cabbages, carrots, and sweet peas which will thrive as the temperatures begin to dip in August. I am even guilty of finding a few extra potatoes that need to be planted. The bonus is I won't have to deal with potato beetles.
• Flowers: Plant fast-blooming annuals like calendula or bachelor buttons. If you sow them now, they will provide a fresh burst of color just as your spring-planted annuals begin to fade. It’s also a great time to plant perennials and bi-annuals like hollyhocks and foxgloves.
• Bulbs: Our lilies come in a wide range of heights and something we like to do is to plant shorter lilies like our Tiny Series or Matrix varieties for late summer and early fall displays. And lilies add a couple of weeks of color for those fall get togethers. You can tuck in the borders, vacant garden spaces or even containers.

🏡 Zones 6-7: Second Summer Sowings

Gardeners in these zones have a unique opportunity. The summer heat is peaking, but there is still plenty of "runway" left for a significant second harvest.

• Vegetables: This is the ideal time for a second round of Bush Beans for those you just want to try and summer squash or our personal favorite Costata Romensco Zucchini. I always love scallions so another planting of those is always welcomed. Plus now the time is to buy any fall favorites before they disappear until November.
• Flowers: Zinnias and Cosmos sown in July will grow rapidly in the warm soil. They will reach their peak in late August and September, providing essential nectar for migrating monarch butterflies. also a great time to plant perennials and bi-annuals like Hollyhocks and Foxgloves.
• Bulbs: With 110+ days of frost free weather, you can plant any lily and expect beautiful blooms.  If you are looking for September blooms plant any lilies from our Tiny Collection or Matrix varieties for late summer and early fall displays. Roseliles and other taller varieties like Pink Tigers will bloom in early October if planted in the next couple of weeks.

☀️ Zones 8-10: Heat Lovers and Fall Prep

In the South and coastal regions, July is less about "cooling down" and more about "powering through." The heat is intense, so choose plants that can take the sun.

• Vegetables: Stick with heat-obsessed crops like okra, Southern peas (cowpeas), and sweet potatoes. You can even start a second round of tomatoes
• Flowers: Sunflowers are the stars of the July garden here. Sow another round of sunflowers to fill in spaces or even considering Cosmos, Celosia, or Nasturtiums as they can handle the heat while young.

📊 Quick Reference July Sowing Guide

💡 Expert Midsummer Tip

When planting in July, moisture is your biggest challenge. Seed beds dry out in hours under the summer sun. Use a light layer of straw mulch or a shade cloth over your freshly sown rows to keep the soil cool and moist until those first sprouts appear.

Conclusion

Don't let your garden beds sit empty as you harvest. By choosing the right varieties for your specific zone, you can keep your garden productive and beautiful well into the autumn months. Grab your trowel—there is still plenty of growing time left! 🌻🥬