Complete Gardening
As the summer sun blazes in July, certain crops thrive while others struggle. Understanding which plants to select for your garden during this month can make a significant difference in your harvest.
Some vegetables love the heat, flourishing under the warm embrace of the sun, while others wilt and bolt, unable to handle the soaring temperatures.
In this guide, we explore five crops that are best avoided in July due to their sensitivity to heat, alongside 23 that not only endure but prosper in the summer’s warmth. Choosing wisely ensures a bountiful and successful garden.
1. Peas
Peas, with their delicate green tendrils, are best left out of the garden in July. These cool-season crops quickly falter under intense heat, losing their sweetness as they bolt and become inedible. The high temperatures cause stress on the plant, leading to poor pod development and a rapid decline in overall health. While peas are a springtime favorite, their preference for cooler, milder weather means they often succumb to the harsh conditions of midsummer. Gardeners seeking a successful pea crop should aim for early spring planting, allowing the plants to flourish before the heat intensifies.
2. Spinach (Most Varieties)
Spinach, particularly most common varieties, wilts under the scorching sun of July. This leafy green is notoriously sensitive to heat, often bolting at the first sign of prolonged warmth. As temperatures climb, spinach plants send up tall, flowering stalks, signaling a shift from leaf production to seed. The leaves turn bitter, losing their tender, flavorful appeal. For gardeners intent on growing spinach, selecting a heat-resistant variety or planting during cooler months proves more successful. The fleeting nature of spinach’s tolerance to heat makes it a challenging crop for midsummer gardens.
3. Broccoli (From Seed)
Broccoli, when started from seed, struggles to establish in July’s heat. The seeds require cool soil to germinate, making them ill-suited for the height of summer. High temperatures lead to weak seedlings and poor growth, diminishing the chances of a robust crop. As the heat persists, broccoli plants may develop small, loose heads that quickly flower, reducing their culinary value. Gardeners aiming for successful broccoli production should consider starting seeds indoors or waiting for cooler autumn weather. The plant’s preference for milder conditions underscores its unsuitability for midsummer sowing.
4. Lettuce (Tender Types)
Tender types of lettuce, with their soft, crisp leaves, quickly succumb to July’s heat. As temperatures rise, these greens bolt, sending up flower stalks and turning bitter. The leaves, once succulent, become tough and unpalatable. Heat stress causes the plants to wilt and lose their characteristic crunch. For a successful lettuce harvest, it’s best to plant in the cooler months of spring or fall. During midsummer, consider heat-resistant varieties or alternative greens. Lettuce’s sensitivity to heat highlights the challenges of maintaining its delicate texture and flavor during the hottest months.
5. Cauliflower (From Seed)
Cauliflower, when grown from seed, faces an uphill battle in July. This cool-weather crop needs moderate temperatures to thrive and mature properly. High heat disrupts the development of its signature white heads, leading to poor curd formation and early bolting. The plant’s growth stalls as it struggles to cope with the stress of summer temperatures. For those determined to grow cauliflower, starting seeds indoors or waiting for the fall offers a better chance of success. Its sensitivity to heat and slow-growing nature make midsummer sowing a less viable option.
1. Tomatoes (transplants)
Tomatoes, especially when transplanted, revel in the warmth of July. These sun-loving plants produce juicy, flavorful fruits that reach their peak under sunny skies. The heat encourages rapid growth, with tomatoes setting fruit prolifically as long as they receive consistent watering. Their resilience to summer’s intensity makes them a staple in gardens during this season. Even as temperatures climb, tomatoes maintain their vigor and productivity. Gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of tomatoes by ensuring adequate sunlight and moisture, capitalizing on their affinity for the summer heat.
2. Peppers
Peppers, with their vibrant fruits, thrive in July’s heat. These plants love warmth and sunlight, producing an abundance of flavorful peppers as temperatures rise. The summer sun enhances the development of their rich color and taste. Peppers require well-drained soil and regular watering to flourish, but their heat tolerance makes them well-suited for midsummer gardening. Whether sweet or spicy, peppers maintain their productivity and vigor during the hottest months. Gardeners can expect a plentiful harvest of peppers throughout the summer, enjoying their versatility in a variety of dishes.
3. Eggplant
Eggplants, with their glossy purple fruits, thrive in the intense heat of July. These warm-weather plants flourish under sunny skies, developing rich flavors and firm textures. The high temperatures promote growth and fruit production, with eggplants reaching their peak during the midsummer months. With adequate watering and care, eggplants remain resilient to the summer’s challenges, ensuring a continuous harvest. Their affinity for heat makes them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking robust yields. The plant’s ability to withstand the heat showcases its suitability for summer cultivation.
4. Okra
Okra, known for its tall stalks and green pods, thrives in the summer heat. This hardy plant relishes high temperatures, producing abundant pods throughout July. The sun’s intensity encourages vigorous growth, with okra plants standing tall and robust. Regular harvesting ensures continued pod production, with okra remaining a staple in heat-tolerant gardens. Its ability to withstand the challenges of summer makes it a favored choice for those seeking dependable, continuous yields. The resilience of okra to both heat and drought highlights its role as a cornerstone of midsummer planting.
5. Summer Squash (Zucchini, Yellow Squash)
Summer squash, including zucchini and yellow squash, flourish under July’s sun. These prolific plants produce abundant fruits, thriving in the warmth and long days of midsummer. The heat accelerates growth, leading to rapid fruit development and a continuous harvest. Summer squash requires consistent watering and well-drained soil, but their resilience to high temperatures ensures bountiful yields. Gardeners can enjoy a steady supply of these versatile vegetables, perfect for grilling, sautéing, or fresh in salads. The robust nature of summer squash makes it a standout choice for summer gardens.
6. Cucumbers
Cucumbers, with their refreshing crunch, thrive in the heat of July. These vining plants enjoy the long, warm days, producing crisp, juicy fruits. The summer sun encourages rapid growth and fruiting, resulting in a plentiful harvest. Cucumbers require consistent watering and support to climb, but their heat tolerance makes them well-suited for summer gardens. Gardeners can enjoy a steady supply of cucumbers, perfect for pickles, salads, and cool summer dishes. Their ability to withstand high temperatures and continue producing makes cucumbers a reliable choice for midsummer planting.
7. Corn
Corn, with its towering stalks, thrives in July’s heat. This staple crop enjoys the warmth, reaching skyward as sunlight fuels its growth. The heat accelerates the development of sweet, juicy kernels, with cornfields showcasing their golden tassels in the midsummer breeze. Regular watering and fertile soil support robust growth, ensuring a bountiful harvest. Corn’s ability to thrive in high temperatures makes it a popular choice for summer gardens, providing a hearty, versatile addition to meals. As the quintessential summer crop, corn embodies the season’s abundance and vitality.
8. Melons (Cantaloupe, Watermelon)
Melons, including cantaloupe and watermelon, revel in the heat of July. These sprawling vines produce sweet, juicy fruits, thriving under the warm summer sun. The heat encourages rapid growth and ripening, resulting in a bountiful harvest of flavorful melons. With proper watering and space to spread, melons flourish in summer gardens. Their preference for high temperatures and long days makes them a natural fit for midsummer planting. Gardeners can enjoy the refreshing taste of melons, perfect for cooling off during hot days, as a delightful reward for their efforts.
9. Pumpkins (early varieties)
Early varieties of pumpkins thrive in the heat of midsummer. These robust plants produce vibrant fruits, benefiting from the long, warm days of July. The heat accelerates growth and fruit development, with pumpkins maturing in time for the fall harvest. Regular watering and fertile soil support their vigorous growth, ensuring a successful yield. Pumpkins’ ability to flourish in high temperatures makes them a popular choice for summer gardens, providing a head start on autumn preparations. Their resilience and prolific nature highlight their suitability for midsummer planting.
10. Southern Peas (Cowpeas, Black-eyed peas)
Southern peas, including cowpeas and black-eyed peas, thrive in the intense heat of July. These legumes produce abundant pods, relishing the warm summer weather. The heat fuels their growth, with plants remaining productive throughout the season. Southern peas require well-drained soil and regular watering but are otherwise resilient to the challenges of midsummer. Their ability to withstand high temperatures and continue yielding makes them a staple in heat-tolerant gardens. Gardeners can enjoy a reliable harvest of these nutritious peas, perfect for a variety of culinary uses.
11. Bush Beans
Bush beans, known for their compact form, thrive in the heat of July. These resilient plants produce a steady supply of tender, flavorful pods, perfect for fresh eating and preserving. The summer sun encourages prolific growth, with beans developing rapidly under its warmth. Regular watering and well-drained soil support their continuous production, ensuring a bountiful harvest. Bush beans’ ability to flourish in high temperatures makes them a reliable choice for midsummer gardens. Their compact size and ease of care add to their appeal for gardeners seeking dependable yields.
12. Pole Beans
Pole beans, with their vigorous vines, thrive in the heat of July. These climbing plants produce an abundance of tender, flavorful pods, perfect for fresh eating and canning. The long days and warm temperatures promote rapid growth and prolific fruiting. Proper support and regular watering ensure continued productivity throughout the summer. Pole beans’ ability to withstand high temperatures and continue yielding makes them a popular choice for gardeners seeking a reliable, vertical crop. Their vigorous nature adds a dynamic element to summer gardens, offering both beauty and bounty.
13. Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach, with its glossy green leaves, thrives in the heat of July. This vining plant enjoys the warm weather, providing a continuous supply of tender, flavorful leaves. The summer sun encourages vigorous growth, with Malabar spinach climbing and spreading in the garden. Regular watering and support for its vines ensure a bountiful harvest. Its ability to withstand high temperatures and continue producing makes it a standout choice for midsummer gardens. Gardeners can enjoy fresh greens throughout the summer, adding a nutritious and versatile option to their culinary repertoire.
14. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard, with its colorful stems and broad leaves, thrives in July’s heat. This hardy green enjoys the warmth, producing a continuous supply of nutritious leaves. The summer sun encourages robust growth, with chard providing a reliable harvest throughout the season. Regular watering and well-drained soil support its productivity, ensuring a plentiful supply of greens. Swiss chard’s resilience to high temperatures makes it a favored choice for midsummer gardens, adding both beauty and bounty. Its vibrant colors and nutritious value enhance its appeal for gardeners seeking a versatile crop.
15. New Zealand Spinach
New Zealand spinach, with its succulent leaves, thrives in July’s heat. This sprawling plant enjoys the warm weather, providing a continuous supply of tender greens. The summer sun encourages vigorous growth, with New Zealand spinach spreading across the garden. Regular watering and well-drained soil support its productivity, ensuring a bountiful harvest. Its ability to withstand high temperatures and continue producing makes it a reliable choice for midsummer gardens. Gardeners can enjoy fresh greens throughout the summer, adding a nutritious and versatile option to their culinary repertoire.
16. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens, with their large, vibrant leaves, thrive in July’s heat. These hardy plants enjoy the warmth, producing a continuous supply of peppery, flavorful greens. The summer sun encourages robust growth, with mustard greens providing a reliable harvest throughout the season. Regular watering and well-drained soil support their productivity, ensuring a plentiful supply of greens. Mustard greens’ resilience to high temperatures makes them a favored choice for midsummer gardens, adding both spice and nutrition. Their bold flavor and ability to withstand heat enhance their appeal for adventurous gardeners.
17. Amaranth Greens
Amaranth greens, with their broad leaves and deep red stems, thrive in the heat of July. These vibrant plants enjoy the warmth, producing a continuous supply of nutritious greens. The summer sun encourages vigorous growth, with amaranth providing a reliable harvest throughout the season. Regular watering and well-drained soil support its productivity, ensuring a bountiful supply of leaves. Amaranth greens’ resilience to high temperatures makes them a favored choice for midsummer gardens, adding both beauty and nutrition. Their striking appearance and health benefits enhance their appeal for diverse culinary uses.
18. Basil
Basil, with its aromatic leaves, thrives in the heat of July. This fragrant herb enjoys the warmth, producing a continuous supply of flavorful leaves. The summer sun encourages robust growth, with basil providing a reliable harvest throughout the season. Regular watering and well-drained soil support its productivity, ensuring a bountiful supply of aromatic herbs. Basil’s resilience to high temperatures makes it a favored choice for midsummer gardens, adding both flavor and fragrance. Its culinary versatility and ability to withstand heat enhance its appeal for gardeners and cooks alike.
19. Oregano
Oregano, with its small green leaves, thrives in the heat of July. This hardy herb enjoys the warmth, producing a continuous supply of aromatic leaves. The summer sun encourages robust growth, with oregano providing a reliable harvest throughout the season. Regular watering and well-drained soil support its productivity, ensuring a plentiful supply of flavorful herbs. Oregano’s resilience to high temperatures makes it a favored choice for midsummer gardens, adding both flavor and aroma. Its culinary versatility and ability to withstand heat enhance its appeal for gardeners seeking dependable herbs.
20. Dill
Dill, with its feathery leaves and yellow umbels, thrives in the warmth of July. This aromatic herb enjoys the summer sun, producing a continuous supply of flavorful foliage and seeds. The heat encourages robust growth, with dill providing a reliable harvest throughout the season. Regular watering and well-drained soil support its productivity, ensuring a plentiful supply of herbs. Dill’s resilience to high temperatures makes it a favored choice for midsummer gardens, adding both flavor and fragrance. Its culinary uses and ability to withstand heat enhance its appeal for adventurous cooks.
21. Thyme
Thyme, with its tiny green leaves and woody stems, thrives in the heat of July. This hardy herb enjoys the warmth, producing a continuous supply of aromatic foliage. The summer sun encourages robust growth, with thyme providing a reliable harvest throughout the season. Regular watering and well-drained soil support its productivity, ensuring a plentiful supply of flavorful herbs. Thyme’s resilience to high temperatures makes it a favored choice for midsummer gardens, adding both flavor and fragrance. Its culinary versatility and ability to withstand heat enhance its appeal for gardeners and cooks alike.
22. Carrots (for fall harvest)
Carrots, when planted in July, prepare for a fall harvest. These root vegetables enjoy the summer warmth, developing sweet, crisp roots as they mature. The heat accelerates growth, with carrot tops peeking through the soil as a sign of their progress. Regular watering and fertile soil support their development, ensuring a successful harvest in the cooler months. Carrots’ ability to thrive in summer and mature in autumn makes them a strategic choice for gardeners planning ahead. Their sweet flavor and versatility enhance their appeal for diverse culinary uses.
23. Beets (sow late July for fall maturity)
Beets, when sown in late July, prepare for a fall harvest. These root vegetables enjoy the summer warmth, developing sweet, earthy roots as they mature. The heat accelerates growth, with beet tops displaying deep red stems and lush leaves. Regular watering and fertile soil support their development, ensuring a successful harvest in the cooler months. Beets’ ability to thrive in summer and mature in autumn makes them a strategic choice for gardeners planning ahead. Their sweet, earthy flavor and versatility enhance their appeal for diverse culinary uses.