Planting calendar

July Planting Guide for Austin, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground

In July, Austin gardeners can focus on heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs suitable for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. This month is ideal for starting fall crops and maintaining summer harvests while managing high temperatures and occasional drought stress.

Plant now (quick list)

Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas), Eggplant, Peppers, Malabar spinach, Sweet basil, Roselle (hibiscus)

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Plant now

Okra
Sweet potatoes
Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas)
Eggplant
Peppers
Malabar spinach
Sweet basil
Roselle (hibiscus)
Butter beans
Yardlong beans

Start indoors

Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Collard greens
Brussels sprouts
Lettuce (heat-tolerant varieties)
Swiss chard
Spinach (heat-tolerant varieties)
Herbs like cilantro and parsley

Avoid

Tomatoes (direct sowing - heat stress reduces germination)
Corn (late July sowing risks poor maturity before frost)
Cucumbers (direct sowing - heat can cause poor germination)
Peas (cool-season crop, avoid heat)
Potatoes (harvest or avoid planting now)
Cool-season root crops like carrots and radishes
Beans (snap beans may struggle if sown late)
Leafy greens sensitive to heat like arugula
Melons (late planting risks poor fruit development)
Squash (direct sowing - heat stress)

Next 2 weeks

Transplant heat-started broccoli and cabbage seedlings outdoors in shaded areas
Mulch raised beds and containers to conserve moisture
Water deeply early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation
Apply balanced fertilizer to support summer crops
Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites
Pinch basil to encourage bushier growth
Harvest okra regularly to promote continuous production
Shade young seedlings during peak afternoon heat
Rotate crops in raised beds to reduce disease risk
Prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost

FAQs

Can I plant tomatoes in July in Austin?

It's best to avoid direct sowing tomatoes in July due to heat stress affecting germination and fruit set. Start seeds indoors for fall transplanting instead.

How often should I water raised beds in July?

Water deeply 2-3 times per week, adjusting for rainfall and soil moisture. Early morning or late evening watering reduces evaporation.

What vegetables grow well in containers during Austin’s hot July?

Heat-tolerant crops like peppers, eggplants, okra, and herbs such as basil thrive in containers during July.

Is it necessary to shade seedlings in July?

Yes, young seedlings benefit from afternoon shade to prevent heat stress and sunburn during peak summer heat.

When should I start fall crops in Austin?

Start seeds indoors in July for fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, and kale, then transplant outdoors in late August or early September.