Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for Austin, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In July, Austin gardeners can focus on heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs suitable for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. This is an ideal time to plant warm-season crops and start fall garden preparations while avoiding heat-sensitive plants.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas), Eggplant, Peppers, Malabar spinach, Sweet basil, Roselle hibiscus
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas)
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Malabar spinach
- Sweet basil
- Roselle hibiscus
- Yardlong beans
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collard greens
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce (heat-tolerant varieties)
- Swiss chard
Avoid
- Cool-season leafy greens (spinach, arugula)
- Peas
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Potatoes
- Broccoli (direct sow outdoors)
- Cauliflower (direct sow outdoors)
Next 2 weeks
- Prepare soil with compost for fall crops
- Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature
- Monitor irrigation closely due to high heat
- Watch for pests like aphids and spider mites
- Pinch back basil to encourage bushier growth
- Thin seedlings started indoors
- Fertilize tomatoes and peppers as needed
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in July in Austin?
July is generally too hot to start tomatoes outdoors, but you can care for existing plants and prepare for fall planting by starting seedlings indoors.
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 prevent drying out under Austin's summer heat.
Are there vegetables that tolerate Austin’s July heat well?
Yes, okra, southern peas, eggplant, and peppers thrive in hot summer conditions and are great choices for July planting.
Is it safe to plant cool-season crops in July?
It's best to start cool-season crops indoors in July to transplant in early fall when temperatures drop.
What are good container plants for July in Austin?
Heat-tolerant herbs like basil and malabar spinach, as well as okra and peppers, do well in containers during July.
Next steps
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