Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for Dallas, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In July, Dallas gardeners can focus on heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. This month is ideal for planting warm-season crops and starting fall garden preparations. Be mindful of intense summer heat and provide adequate watering and shade as needed.
Plant now (quick list)
Okra, Sweet potatoes, Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas), Eggplant, Peppers, Basil, Malabar spinach, Butter beans
Plant now
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Southern peas (cowpeas, black-eyed peas)
- Eggplant
- Peppers
- Basil
- Malabar spinach
- Butter beans
- Yardlong beans
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce (heat-tolerant varieties)
- Swiss chard
Avoid
- Tomatoes (outdoor planting, heat stress risk)
- Cucumbers (late July outdoor planting risk)
- Peas (cool-season crop, avoid summer planting)
- Spinach (bolts quickly in heat)
- Carrots (slow germination in hot soil)
Next 2 weeks
- Mulch raised beds and containers to conserve moisture
- Water deeply in early morning or late evening
- Shade young transplants during hottest hours
- Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites
- Begin hardening off fall crop seedlings started indoors
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in July in Dallas?
It's best to avoid planting tomatoes outdoors in July due to extreme heat, which can cause poor fruit set and stress. Instead, focus on heat-tolerant crops or start fall tomato seedlings indoors for transplanting later.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in July?
Water daily or as needed to keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during heat waves. Early morning or late evening watering reduces evaporation.
What are good heat-tolerant herbs to plant now?
Basil and Malabar spinach thrive in hot weather and can be planted in July in Dallas.
When should I start fall vegetables in Dallas?
Start seeds indoors for fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, and kale in July to transplant outdoors in late August or early September.
How can I protect young plants from intense July heat?
Use shade cloth, mulch, and water during cooler parts of the day to reduce heat stress on young transplants.
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