Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for Portland, OR: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground Gardens
In July, Portland gardeners can continue planting heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, and in-ground gardens. Focus on crops that mature quickly before the cooler fall weather arrives. This is also a good time to start some fall crops indoors for transplanting later.
Plant now (quick list)
Bush beans, Cucumbers, Summer squash, Sweet corn, Tomatoes (transplants), Peppers, Basil, Melons
Plant now
- Bush beans
- Cucumbers
- Summer squash
- Sweet corn
- Tomatoes (transplants)
- Peppers
- Basil
- Melons
- Swiss chard
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Collard greens
Avoid
- Peas (too hot)
- Potatoes (late planting reduces yield)
- Onions (bulbing onions prefer earlier planting)
- Garlic (plant in fall)
- Root crops like carrots (may bolt or become woody)
Next 2 weeks
- Keep soil consistently moist in containers
- Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds
- Pinch back basil to encourage bushier growth
- Watch for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Fertilize tomatoes and peppers every 2-3 weeks
FAQs
Can I plant lettuce in July in Portland?
Yes, start lettuce indoors in July to transplant in late summer for a fall harvest.
Is it too hot to plant peas now?
Yes, peas prefer cooler temperatures and should be planted earlier in spring or in fall.
How often should I water container plants in July?
Water containers daily or when the top inch of soil feels dry, as they dry out faster in summer heat.
What vegetables mature quickly for late summer planting?
Bush beans, cucumbers, and summer squash mature quickly and are good choices for July planting.
Should I fertilize my tomatoes in July?
Yes, fertilize tomatoes every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to support fruit development.
Next steps
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