What to Plant in Mid-July
A Practical Guide to What Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers You Can Still Plant in Mid-July for a Fall Harvest
Before we get into this weeks chat, I AM SUPER EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE
The Underground Garden Revolution Guide is officially out in the wild!
Thank you to everyone who’s already grabbed a copy — your scraps, your soil, and your worms are about to throw you a thank-you party.
If you haven’t grabbed it yet: this is your shortcut to ditching the compost bin and letting nature do the work — no fuss, no guilt, just healthy soil and thriving plants..
Catch up on the details here
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Yes, there’s still time—plenty of it.
Let’s talk about the magic of mid-July.
It’s hot, the garden might look a little wild, and you’ve probably eaten your first tomato straight off the vine by now (or are about to). But here’s the thing: mid-July isn’t the end of the season - it’s the middle and in gardening, middles are full of second chances.
If you’ve got a little space, some empty beds, or harvested garlic and have room, now’s the perfect time to sow again.
Here’s what you can plant right now:
Cool Weather Crops for Fall
Mid-July is the beginning of your fall garden, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Carrots – Direct sow now for a sweet fall harvest. They love maturing in the cool.
Beets – Sow seeds now for fall roots and edible greens.
Turnips – Fast-growing and great for fall meals.
Radishes – Especially the longer-season daikons or winter radishes.
Swiss chard – Heat-tolerant but thrives in the cooler months too.
Collards, kale & mustard greens – Start from seed now or next week.
Lettuce – Try bolt-resistant varieties and partial shade.
Fast Summer Crops
Still got warm soil and long days? Use it!
Bush beans – These are quick and easy. You’ll get a harvest before frost.
Zucchini & summer squash – If your first planting fizzled out or got vine borer’d, start again.
Cucumbers – Especially small slicers or pickling types.
Dill & cilantro – Surprisingly good in the later season; bolt less as days shorten.
Herbs & Flowers
Basil – Still time to plant from seed or transplant. Loves the heat.
Cilantro – Sow every few weeks for a fall harvest.
Calendula & nasturtiums – Fast-growing, useful, and cheerful.
Sunflowers – Dwarf or branching types can still go in the ground.
A Few Tips for July Sowing:
Water deeply when you sow. Seeds need consistent moisture to germinate in heat.
Mulch after sowing to hold moisture and keep soil cool.
Start brassicas indoors or in shade—they don’t love sprouting in hot soil.
Think succession: You can sow a little now and a little more next week.
Don’t stress about being late - gardens aren’t on a strict clock. They respond to weather, water, and love. Mid-July is a pivot point, not a deadline. So if you’ve got a seed packet and a patch of soil, you’re right on time.
Happy Growing!
– Beccalynne 🌻