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 in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Plant warm-season crops now and start planning for fall by sowing seeds indoors. Avoid frost-sensitive plants as summer heat peaks.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Southern peas (cowpeas), Malabar spinach, Basil, Roselle (hibiscus)
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Southern peas (cowpeas)
- Malabar spinach
- Basil
- Roselle (hibiscus)
- Butter beans
- Malabar spinach
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
- Beets
Avoid
- Cool-season crops outdoors (lettuce, spinach, broccoli)
- Beans (snap and pole beans)
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Cucumbers (late July heat stress)
- Corn (late plantings may bolt)
- Tomatoes (avoid late plantings to reduce disease risk)
- Melons (heat stress risk)
Next 2 weeks
- Mulch heavily to conserve moisture
- Water early morning or late evening
- Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites
- Pinch basil to encourage bushier growth
- Shade young seedlings during peak afternoon sun
- Fertilize heat-loving crops with balanced fertilizer
- Check soil moisture daily in containers
- Thin overcrowded seedlings
- Harvest okra regularly to encourage production
- Prepare soil for fall planting by adding compost
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in July in Austin?
It's best to avoid planting new tomatoes in July due to extreme heat and disease pressure. Instead, start tomato seedlings indoors for fall planting.
How often should I water raised beds in July?
Water raised beds deeply 2-3 times per week, adjusting for rainfall and soil moisture, to keep plants healthy during hot weather.
What vegetables grow well in containers during Austin summers?
Heat-tolerant plants like peppers, eggplants, okra, and herbs such as basil perform well in containers during July.
Is it necessary to shade seedlings in July?
Yes, young seedlings benefit from afternoon shade to prevent heat stress and sunscald during peak summer temperatures.
When should I start preparing for fall planting?
Start seeds indoors for cool-season crops in July to transplant outdoors in late August or early September as temperatures begin to moderate.
Next steps
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