Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for San Antonio, TX: Raised Beds, Containers & In-Ground
In July, San Antonio gardeners can focus on heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs suited for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. Plant now to take advantage of warm soil but be mindful of the intense summer heat and occasional dry spells. Choose crops that thrive in high temperatures and prepare for fall planting by starting some seeds indoors.
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)
- Yardlong beans
- Butter beans
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Collards
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce (heat-tolerant varieties)
- Swiss chard
- Spinach (heat-tolerant varieties)
- Herbs like cilantro and parsley
Avoid
- Tomatoes (direct sowing - wait until August/September)
- Cucumbers (direct sowing - heat stress risk)
- Peas (cool-season crop, avoid summer planting)
- Potatoes
- Carrots (slow growth in heat)
- Beets
- Radishes
- Broccoli (direct sowing outdoors now)
- Lettuce (non-heat tolerant varieties)
- Strawberries
Next 2 weeks
- Monitor soil moisture closely and water deeply in raised beds and containers
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and reduce soil temperature
- Thin seedlings started indoors to ensure strong growth
- Fertilize heat-loving crops with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
- Watch for pests like aphids and spider mites, especially in containers
- Provide afternoon shade for sensitive plants in containers
- Harden off indoor seedlings before transplanting outdoors
- Check for signs of heat stress and adjust watering accordingly
- Rotate crops in in-ground beds to prevent disease buildup
- Plan fall garden layout and order seeds
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes in July in San Antonio?
It's best to avoid direct sowing tomatoes outdoors in July due to heat stress. Instead, start seedlings indoors now for transplanting in late August or September.
How often should I water raised beds and containers during July?
Water deeply every 1-2 days depending on heat and soil moisture, as containers and raised beds dry out faster in summer heat.
What are good heat-tolerant herbs to plant in July?
Basil, Malabar spinach, and roselle thrive in hot weather and can be planted now in containers or raised beds.
Should I fertilize my summer crops in July?
Yes, apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to support growth during the hot season.
How can I protect seedlings started indoors from heat when transplanting?
Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for a few hours daily over 7-10 days before transplanting.
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