The Mid-July Planting Guide: Crops You Can Start Right Now for a Fall Harvest

When the mid-July heat sets in, it is easy to look at your garden and think the planting season is completely behind you. The tomatoes are ripening, the zucchini is multiplying faster than you can harvest it, and the garden is in full summer swing. But as a master gardener, I am here to share one of the best-kept secrets of vegetable gardening: mid-July is actually a critical second planting season!

While you are managing the summer heat, it is time to start thinking about the cool, crisp days of autumn. By starting certain crops right now, you can extend your growing season well into November or even December, depending on your zone. Let us dive into exactly what you should be planting in mid-July for a spectacular fall harvest.

Why Plant in Mid-July?

The logic behind mid-summer planting for fall harvests is all about timing and soil temperature. Fall crops need enough time to mature before the first hard frost, but they also prefer to mature in cooler weather.

By planting in July, the seeds germinate quickly in the warm soil. The plants do their initial growing during the tail end of summer, and by the time they are ready to produce their harvest, the cooler autumn weather has arrived. This cooler weather often makes vegetables like carrots, kale, and Brussels sprouts taste significantly sweeter.

Top Crops to Start in Mid-July

1. Carrots and Beets

Root vegetables are fantastic candidates for mid-July sowing. The warm soil ensures rapid germination, which can sometimes be sluggish in the cold spring soil.

When planting carrots in the heat of summer, the biggest challenge is keeping the soil surface moist until they sprout. I highly recommend covering the seeded area with a light layer of straw or even a wooden board for a few days to lock in the moisture. Just remember to check daily and remove the board the moment you see green sprouts!

For the best root development, ensure your soil is loose and free of rocks. A good quality digging fork is essential for prepping the bed.

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2. Kale and Swiss Chard

These leafy greens are incredibly resilient. While they can survive the summer heat (especially Swiss Chard), they truly thrive as the weather cools down. In fact, a light frost will convert the starches in kale into sugars, making it incredibly sweet and tender.

Start these seeds directly in the garden or in seed trays in a shady spot if your garden is currently full.

3. Broccoli and Cabbage

For these brassicas, mid-July is the perfect time to start seeds indoors or in a protected, shaded outdoor area. They need about 4-6 weeks of growth before being transplanted into the main garden in late August.

Because they will be growing during the peak of cabbage moth season, protecting them is crucial. I always use floating row covers immediately after transplanting.

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4. Bush Beans

Did you know you can get a second crop of green beans? If you plant bush beans (not pole beans, which take longer) in mid-July, you will have a fresh harvest of tender beans by September. They are quick to mature and love the warm soil for germination.

Essential Tips for Mid-Summer Sowing

Planting in July comes with a unique set of challenges, primarily heat and water management. Here is how to ensure your new seeds survive the peak summer temperatures:

1. Water Deeply and Frequently: Seeds planted in July will dry out incredibly fast. You may need to water the seedbed twice a day until germination occurs.

2. Provide Shade: Use shade cloth to protect tender new seedlings from the scorching afternoon sun. A 30% to 50% shade cloth can lower the temperature just enough to keep seedlings happy.

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3. Mulch Heavily: Once your seedlings are a few inches tall, apply a thick layer of organic mulch to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.

Planning Your Garden Layout

If you are wondering where to put these new plants while your summer garden is still producing, consider succession planting. As you pull up spent spring crops like peas, radishes, or early lettuce, amend the soil with some fresh compost and immediately plant your fall crops in that space.

If you need help visualizing where everything should go, check out our Garden Designer tool. You can upload a photo of your current garden space and get personalized layout recommendations.

If you have specific questions about what varieties work best in your specific hardiness zone, our AI Garden Chat is available 24/7 to give you tailored advice based on your location.

Conclusion

Don't let the July heat trick you into hanging up your gardening gloves for the season. By dedicating just a little time this weekend to sowing fall crops, you will be rewarding yourself with fresh, homegrown produce long after the summer tomatoes have faded.

Happy planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant tomatoes in July?

In most zones, mid-July is too late to start tomatoes from seed, as they will not have enough time to mature before the frost. However, if you live in a very warm climate (Zone 9 or 10) or can find large, established transplants at a nursery, you might still get a late harvest.

How do I keep seeds from drying out in the summer heat?

Water the seedbed lightly twice a day. You can also cover the seeded area with a light layer of straw, a piece of cardboard, or shade cloth to prevent the sun from baking the soil surface. Remove solid covers as soon as the seeds sprout.

Do fall crops need fertilizer?

Yes, especially if you are planting them in a bed that just grew a spring or summer crop. The previous plants likely depleted the nutrients. Amend the soil with a layer of rich compost or a balanced organic fertilizer before planting your fall crops.

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