Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for San Francisco Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground
In July, San Francisco gardeners can focus on heat-tolerant and quick-growing crops suitable for raised beds, containers, and in-ground planting. This is a great time to plant warm-season vegetables and herbs while preparing for fall harvests. Avoid frost-sensitive plants and monitor watering closely due to summer warmth.
Plant now (quick list)
Bush beans, Tomatoes, Peppers, Basil, Zucchini, Swiss chard, Eggplant, Cucumbers
Plant now
- Bush beans
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Basil
- Zucchini
- Swiss chard
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Lettuce
- Spinach
Avoid
- Peas
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Beets
- Broccoli (direct sow outdoors)
- Lettuce (direct sow outdoors)
- Brussels sprouts (direct sow outdoors)
Next 2 weeks
- Transplant started brassicas outdoors in partial shade
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars
- Water deeply early in the morning
- Pinch basil to encourage bushier growth
- Harvest summer crops regularly to promote yield
FAQs
Can I plant cool-season crops directly in July in San Francisco?
July is generally too warm for direct sowing cool-season crops; start them indoors to transplant later in fall.
How often should I water raised beds in July?
Water raised beds deeply 2-3 times a week, adjusting based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Are containers suitable for growing tomatoes in July here?
Yes, containers with good drainage and regular watering work well for tomatoes during San Francisco’s mild summers.
What pests should I watch for in July?
Look out for aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies, which can increase during warm months.
Is it necessary to mulch in July?
Mulching helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, making it beneficial during July’s warmer days.
Next steps
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