Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for Philadelphia, PA: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In July, Philadelphia gardeners can focus on heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. It's a great time to sow quick-growing crops for a late summer or early fall harvest. Be mindful of watering needs and avoid planting frost-sensitive crops that struggle in summer heat.
Plant now (quick list)
Bush beans, Cucumbers, Summer squash, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, Basil, Marigolds
Plant now
- Bush beans
- Cucumbers
- Summer squash
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Swiss chard
- Basil
- Marigolds
- Radishes
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Collard greens
Avoid
- Tomatoes (seed sowing)
- Peppers (seed sowing)
- Eggplants (seed sowing)
- Root crops like carrots and parsnips (late sowing)
- Beans (pole beans late sowing)
Next 2 weeks
- Mulch raised beds to retain moisture
- Water containers daily during heat waves
- Pinch basil to encourage bushier growth
- Harvest summer squash regularly to promote production
- Monitor for pests like aphids and squash bugs
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in July in Philadelphia?
July is generally too late to start tomatoes from seed outdoors in Philadelphia. It's better to transplant established seedlings or wait until next spring.
How often should I water containers in July?
Containers dry out faster in summer heat, so water daily or when the top inch of soil feels dry to keep plants healthy.
What vegetables can I expect to harvest in July?
You can harvest summer squash, bush beans, cucumbers, basil, and Swiss chard planted earlier in the season.
Is it too hot to start seeds indoors in July?
No, July is a good time to start cool-season crops indoors for fall transplanting, such as broccoli and kale.
Should I mulch my raised beds in July?
Yes, mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cooler during hot July weather.
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