Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for Los Angeles Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In July, Los Angeles gardeners can focus on heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs suitable for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. This is a great time to plant warm-season crops and start fall garden preparations. Be mindful of watering needs and partial shade to protect young plants from intense sun.
Plant now (quick list)
Tomatoes, Peppers, Eggplants, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Basil, Swiss chard, Malabar spinach
Plant now
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil
- Swiss chard
- Malabar spinach
- Green beans
- Cucumbers
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Collard greens
- Herbs (cilantro, parsley)
- Beets
Avoid
- Peas
- Broccoli (direct sow outdoors)
- Carrots (direct sow outdoors)
- Radishes
- Potatoes
- Cool-season leafy greens outdoors
- Beans (snap beans outdoor sowing late July)
- Corn
- Onions (avoid late planting)
- Garlic
Next 2 weeks
- Transplant indoor-started brassicas to shaded raised beds
- Mulch around warm-season crops to retain moisture
- Begin watering early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation
- Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- Start preparing soil for fall root crops
- Succession sow heat-tolerant greens in partial shade
- Fertilize tomatoes and peppers with balanced feed
- Pinch basil to encourage bushy growth
- Harvest regularly to promote continued production
- Check container drainage to prevent root rot
FAQs
Can I plant cool-season vegetables in July in Los Angeles?
July is generally too hot for direct sowing cool-season vegetables outdoors; start them indoors and transplant when temperatures begin to cool in late summer.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in July?
Water daily or as needed, especially in containers, since heat and sun can dry soil quickly; early morning or late evening watering is best.
Are there any herbs that do well when planted in July?
Yes, heat-tolerant herbs like basil, malabar spinach, and oregano thrive when planted in July in Los Angeles.
What are the best vegetables to grow in containers during July?
Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and bush beans perform well in containers during the warm summer months.
Should I provide shade for my plants in July?
Yes, providing afternoon shade for young or heat-sensitive plants helps reduce stress and prevents leaf scorch.
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