Planting calendar
July Planting Guide for Seattle Gardens: Raised Beds, Containers, and In-Ground
In July, Seattle gardeners can focus on warm-season crops and preparing for fall harvests. This is a great time to plant heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs in raised beds, containers, or directly in the ground. Start seeds indoors for fall crops and avoid plants sensitive to summer heat.
Plant now (quick list)
Bush beans, Summer squash, Cucumbers, Tomatoes (transplants), Peppers, Basil, Swiss chard, Leaf lettuce
Plant now
- Bush beans
- Summer squash
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes (transplants)
- Peppers
- Basil
- Swiss chard
- Leaf lettuce
- Green onions
- Zucchini
Start indoors
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Collard greens
- Spinach
- Beets
- Carrots
- Leeks
Avoid
- Peas (heat sensitive)
- Potatoes (harvest time)
- Cool-season lettuce (will bolt)
- Broccoli (direct sow now)
- Radishes (slow growth in heat)
- Spinach (bolt risk)
- Cauliflower (direct sow now)
- Early spring bulbs
- Garlic (plant in fall)
- Onions (late planting)
Next 2 weeks
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water deeply in early morning
- Pinch back basil to encourage bushiness
- Watch for pests like aphids and squash bugs
- Thin seedlings in raised beds
- Fertilize tomatoes and peppers
- Harvest summer crops regularly
- Start hardening off fall seedlings
- Rotate crops in in-ground beds
- Check container drainage
FAQs
Can I plant tomatoes directly in the ground in July in Seattle?
Yes, transplanting tomato seedlings into the ground in July works well as long as the soil is warm and frost risk has passed.
What vegetables should I avoid planting in July due to heat?
Avoid planting peas, radishes, and cool-season leafy greens like spinach and lettuce as they tend to bolt or struggle in summer heat.
Is it better to grow herbs in containers or raised beds during July?
Both work well, but containers allow better control over watering and soil quality during warm, dry spells.
When should I start seeds indoors for fall crops in Seattle?
Start seeds indoors in July for fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, and kale to transplant outdoors in late summer.
How often should I water raised beds and containers in July?
Water deeply at least 2-3 times a week, adjusting for rainfall and temperature, to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Next steps
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