Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for Chicago Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In July, Chicago gardeners can focus on heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. It's an ideal time to plant warm-season crops and start fall harvest vegetables indoors. Be mindful of summer heat and water needs to ensure healthy growth.
Plant now (quick list)
Bush beans, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Peppers, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Summer squash, Tomatoes (transplants)
Plant now
- Bush beans
- Cucumbers
- Eggplants
- Peppers
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Summer squash
- Tomatoes (transplants)
- Basil
- Swiss chard
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Collards
- Kohlrabi
- Mustard greens
Avoid
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Carrots (direct sow late July to August only)
- Beets (avoid mid-July direct sow)
- Cool-season crops outdoors
- Newly planted cool-season transplants
- Overplanting heat-sensitive greens
- Waterlogging soil
- Planting frost-sensitive crops late July
- Heavy fertilization during heat stress
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture closely
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Pinch back basil to encourage bushier growth
- Harvest summer crops regularly to promote production
- Watch for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Shade young transplants during hottest midday hours
- Prepare soil for fall crops by adding compost
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding
- Start hardening off fall transplants
- Prune tomato suckers to improve airflow
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in July in Chicago?
Yes, transplanting tomato seedlings in July works well, but ensure they get consistent water and some afternoon shade during heat waves.
Is it too hot to start seeds outdoors in July?
Many heat-tolerant crops can be direct sown now, but cool-season seeds are best started indoors or in late summer to avoid heat stress.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in July?
Water daily or as needed to keep soil consistently moist, especially in containers which dry out faster than in-ground beds.
What are good herbs to plant in July in containers?
Basil, oregano, thyme, and chives thrive in summer heat and do well in containers during July.
When should I start preparing for fall crops?
Start seeds indoors for fall vegetables like broccoli and cabbage in mid to late July to transplant in early fall.
Next steps
Get a personalized planting plan
Answer a few questions and generate a plan for your exact location and setup.
Build your garden shopping list
Get a starter kit checklist for what you want to grow (with optional links).
Ask the Gardener
Get quick answers and next-step guidance for your garden.
Want this page for a different city? Try the tool and enter your ZIP: Plant this month.