What to Plant in July: 8 Vegetables and Herbs You Can Still Grow for a Delicious Fall Harvest
By Mary Ellen Ellis | Published 8 hours ago
Thinking of starting a vegetable garden in July? You’re not too late!
While summer’s at its hottest right now and many of your spring veggies have likely bowed out, there’s still time to plant a surprising number of crops—especially ones that thrive in the cooler months ahead. With a little planning and the right timing, you can enjoy a bountiful fall harvest even if you’re planting in the middle of summer.
The key? Know your first frost date—that’s the average time when temperatures start dipping low enough to damage tender plants. You’ll want to choose crops that either mature before that date or can tolerate light frosts. If you’re not sure when that is in your area, check with your local extension office or use a zip/postcode frost date tool online.
Also, take into account how long each veggie takes to mature. Match that timeline with your local frost schedule, and you’ll be on the path to success. In warmer zones, direct sowing seeds still works well in July. If you’re in a cooler region, transplants will help speed things up.
Ready to get your hands in the dirt? Here are 8 great crops to plant in July for fresh harvests into fall—and even beyond.
1. Cabbage
Cabbage is tough when it comes to cooler temps and is perfectly timed for a fall harvest if you plant in July. Most varieties take between 60 and 100 days to mature, and some actually taste better after a light frost.
Start seeds indoors now, and transplant them in about three weeks for a harvest in October. Keep young seedlings shaded and protected from pests with row covers, and make sure they stay well-watered during hot days.
Try ‘Earliana’ cabbage from Burpee—it’s an early variety that matures in just 60 days from transplant.
2. Parsnips
Parsnips take a while to grow—100 to 120 days—but they’re worth the wait. In fact, they become sweeter after the first frost, making them a perfect choice to plant in July.
Direct sow seeds now while the soil is warm. Germination can be slow, so be patient. Once they’re established, they require little care and will reward you with rich, sweet roots.
Check out All-American parsnips from Eden Brothers. Under ideal conditions, they can be ready in as little as 90 days.
3. Beets
Beets are a great pick for both spring and fall. When grown in cooler weather, they develop a deeper, sweeter flavor. Sow them 8 to 12 weeks before your planned harvest.
They’re frost-tolerant, and you can even enjoy the greens before cold weather hits—just harvest those before the first frost.
Detroit Dark Red beets are a standout option. They mature in about 60 days and are hardy in both cold and heat.
4. Turnips
Fast-growing and frost-hardy, turnips can be a reliable crop for late summer and early fall. They mature in about 55 to 60 days, and you can harvest them young or leave them in the ground a bit longer.
Want to keep the harvest going? Try succession sowing—plant a new round of seeds every couple of weeks.
The Purple Top White Globe variety from Burpee is a classic favorite, known for its tender, sweet roots.
5. Kohlrabi
This lesser-known veggie is easy to grow and absolutely worth trying. Kohlrabi is part of the brassica family and can tolerate cool weather really well. It matures in just six weeks, making it one of the fastest-growing fall crops.
Start seeds later in July, and consider multiple plantings for a steady harvest until the first frost.
Try the Early White Vienna variety from Walmart—or go with the White & Purple Vienna mix if you want something fun and colorful.
6. Broccoli
A home-garden staple, broccoli is great for summer planting if you choose a heat-tolerant variety. Depending on the type, it matures in 50 to 90 days.
Start seeds indoors now and transplant after a few weeks. You can harvest the heads when they’re full-sized or pick them early for a more tender bite. Don’t toss the leaves—they’re edible too!
Castle Dome Hybrid broccoli is a top choice for summer sowing. It’s heat-resistant and grows big, delicious heads in just 50 days from transplant.
7. Swiss Chard
If you’re looking for something like spinach but better suited to summer, go for Swiss chard. It doesn’t bolt as easily in the heat and grows quickly—sometimes in as little as four weeks.
Plant it now in cooler regions, or wait until early fall if you’re in a hot climate. For continuous harvests, sow seeds every few weeks.
Bright Lights Swiss chard is as pretty as it is tasty. It grows in a range of rainbow colors and matures in about 60 days.
8. Fast-Growing Herbs
Summer is still a great time to start an herb garden. Herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, chives, and thyme grow fast and love the warmth. Start them in containers outdoors, then bring them inside when temperatures start to drop.
All of these herbs are available in seed form from the Gardening Know How Shop.
FAQs
Q: Can I still start a garden in July?
Yes! There are several vegetables and herbs that do well when planted in July, especially if you’re aiming for a fall harvest.
Q: How do I know if I have enough time before frost?
Check your region’s first frost date using a zip code/postcode tool online or contact your local extension office. Then, count backward based on the crop’s maturity time.
Q: Is it better to start with seeds or transplants in July?
That depends on your growing zone. In cooler areas, transplants help you get a head start. In warmer regions, seeds are still a great choice.
Q: What vegetables actually improve in flavor after a frost?
Cabbage, parsnips, and beets often taste sweeter or richer after exposure to a light frost.
Final Thoughts
Planting in July isn’t just possible—it’s smart. With warm soil, long days, and the right planning, you can grow a productive late-season garden full of hearty, delicious crops. Whether you’re filling in empty beds or starting fresh, there’s plenty of opportunity to get your hands dirty and enjoy the rewards this fall.
Just remember to watch your frost dates, choose the right varieties, and keep young plants cool and well-watered during the heatwaves. Happy gardening!
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