What to Plant in July (and Why It’s Not Too Late to Start!)
July might feel like the height of summer, but it’s not too late to get planting—especially if you know what to focus on. Whether you're direct seeding, transplanting, or starting fall crops, there's still plenty to do in the garden this month.
Here's a handy breakdown from our latest planting guide to keep you growing through the heat:
🌱 Direct Seed – Early to Mid July:
You can still sow quick-growing warm-weather crops like:
• Beans (bush)
• Cucumbers
• Summer squash
• Carrots, beets & lettuce (in partial shade)
• Cilantro, parsley, basil, and dill
☀️ Tip: Keep sowing carrots, cilantro, and lettuce every 2–3 weeks in shady spots for a steady summer harvest.
🌿 Direct Seed – Late July:
As the month progresses, it’s time to think about fall crops:
• Peas (for fall)
• Turnips
• Mustard greens
• Radishes
• Arugula (last week of July into August)
• Chervil
🌱 Transplant to Garden – Last Call for Summer Crops!
Still have a few tomatoes, eggplant, or pepper starts hanging around? Get them in the ground now!
→ Shade them during the hottest parts of the day to help them settle in and avoid transplant shock.
🍂 Start Fall Crops – Indoors or in Flats
July is the time to get fall crops going so they’re ready to plant out in August. Start these now:
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Kohlrabi
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Swiss chard
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Mustard greens
Try starting some inside and outside—see what works best for your space!
🌸 Annual Flowers Still Going Strong
Add a splash of color while supporting pollinators:
• Transplant zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, snapdragons, dahlias, geraniums, and nasturtiums
• Or plant what’s left from your local nursery or garden pals
💧 Stay Cool, Stay Connected
The July sun can be intense, so garden early, water deeply, and take breaks in the shade. And don’t forget to check in on fellow gardeners—especially folks farming and harvesting for our local food system.
Support Our Farmworker Communities
This is by far not all that farmworkers are facing this season, but it’s one tangible way we can show up in support:
👉 Give to the JJ Hispanic Scholarship Fund Emergency Relief Campaign – providing essential aid for farmworker families facing crisis this summer.
And take time to learn more about the powerful work being done by the Idaho Organization of Resource Councils (IORC) to support food justice, farmworker rights, and rural communities across the state.
Every shared harvest and bit of care matters. Keep growing, and keep showing up.