Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for Houston, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In July, Houston 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 that thrive in hot weather and to start preparing for fall harvests. Proper watering and shade management are essential to protect plants from intense summer heat.
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
- Yard-long beans
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collards
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce (heat-tolerant varieties)
- Swiss chard
Avoid
- Tomatoes (avoid new transplants in peak heat)
- Cucumbers (may bolt or suffer heat stress)
- Leafy greens like spinach and arugula (bolt quickly)
- Peas (prefer cooler weather)
- Root crops like carrots and radishes (slow growth in heat)
Next 2 weeks
- Mulch raised beds and containers to retain moisture
- Increase watering frequency during heat waves
- Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites
- Provide afternoon shade for sensitive plants
- Start hardening off indoor seedlings for fall transplant
- Fertilize heat-loving crops lightly
- Remove any bolting plants promptly
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in July in Houston?
It's best to avoid planting new tomato transplants in July due to extreme heat, which can cause stress and poor fruit set.
How often should I water raised beds during July heat?
Water raised beds deeply every 2-3 days, increasing frequency during heat waves to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
What herbs grow well in Houston's summer heat?
Heat-tolerant herbs like basil, rosemary, and malabar spinach thrive well in Houston’s summer conditions.
Is it necessary to provide shade for my container plants in July?
Yes, providing afternoon shade helps prevent heat stress and leaf scorch on sensitive container plants.
When should I start preparing for fall crops in Houston?
Start sowing cool-season crop seeds indoors in July to transplant in late August or early September for a successful fall harvest.
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