10 Vegetables You Can Plant in July

Is it too late to start planting in July? Think again! Your summer garden can thrive well into fall with warm soil, long daylight hours, and the right crops. July is perfect for growing fast-maturing vegetables that enjoy the heat or tolerate partial shade. Whether using containers, raised garden beds, or traditional in-ground plots, timing and smart choices matter.

With the support of the best drip irrigation system, like those from DripWorks Irrigation, your plants can beat the heat and stay hydrated with minimal effort. In this article, we'll cover 10 ideal vegetables to plant in July, tips for success, and how to keep pests out of the garden naturally.

Why July is Ideal for Planting

Mid-summer planting allows for quick-growing crops to mature before the first frost and provides a second chance for a fruitful harvest. Utilizing efficient watering methods like drip irrigation ensures your plants receive consistent moisture without waste. Consider investing in the best drip irrigation system to optimize water usage and plant health.

1. Bush Beans

Bush beans are a great go-to crop for July because they grow quickly and love warm soil.

• Mature in 50–60 days
• Direct sow in loose, fertile soil
• Harvest continuously for better yields

Why They Work in July:

They don't mind the heat; you can get a second harvest before the season ends. Use drip irrigation to keep moisture levels steady and avoid blossom drop.

Companion Tip: Grow with squash for excellent synergy in your summer garden.

2. Zucchini and Summer Squash

When it comes to fast results, squash is a July all-star. Zucchini and yellow squash love the heat and grow like crazy.

Tips for Success:

• Sow seeds directly into raised garden beds or containers
• Use compost-rich soil
• Water using DripWorks irrigation to prevent fungal diseases

Zucchini matures in about 45–55 days, so you'll harvest quickly. Plus, they make ideal companions for vegetables that grow well together—like corn and beans.

3. Carrots

Carrots are surprisingly good for July planting, especially if you're planning for a late fall harvest.

What to Do:

• Choose short and fast-maturing varieties
• Keep soil loose and free of stones
• Use drip irrigation to preserve even soil moisture

Mulching and thinning are essential for straight, sweet carrots. Plant them near tomatoes to help repel pests and take advantage of what vegetables grow well together.

4. Leafy Greens (Heat-Tolerant Varieties)

You might think it's too hot for lettuce, but many leafy greens do well in warm weather—especially if you provide some shade and consistent water.

Best July Varieties:

• Oakleaf and Butterhead Lettuce
• Swiss Chard
• Malabar Spinach
• Heat-tolerant kale

Grow them in containers or shady spots in raised garden beds for more comfortable control. Keep them watered with a drip irrigation system to prevent bitterness.

Bonus Tip: Interplant with herbs like basil and chives to keep pests out of the garden.

5. Cucumbers

Cucumbers thrive in heat, making them an excellent mid-summer crop.

Planting Tips:

• Direct sow in raised garden beds
• Use trellises to save space and increase airflow
• Provide deep watering with DripWorks irrigation

Picking them often encourages continuous growth. Pair cucumbers with radishes and dill for natural pest deterrence and support from what vegetables grow well together.

6. Radishes

Radishes are quick turnaround crops perfect for filling space and maximizing harvests.

Why Radishes Work Now:

• Harvest in just 3–4 weeks
• Easy to grow in containers
• Require minimal care

Use succession planting to get multiple rounds throughout the season. Keep soil moist with drip irrigation, and interplant with carrots or lettuce for space-efficient growth.

7. Turnips

Turnips may not be a typical summer veggie, but they grow surprisingly well when planted in July.

Growing Advice:

• Sow in partial shade
• Water regularly using DripWorks irrigation
• Harvest young for tender roots

Turnip greens are edible and healthy, making this a two-for-one crop. Plant near legumes for improved soil nitrogen—another win for what vegetables grow well together.

8. Beets

Beets are a nutrient-rich root vegetable that grows best when mid-summer starts for a fall harvest.

Tips:

• Choose fast-maturing types
• Direct sow in rich, composted soil
• Use drip irrigation to prevent splitting

Beets grow well with onions and kohlrabi, which can also help keep pests out of the garden.

9. Kale

Kale gets sweeter after a light frost, so planting in July means a tasty fall harvest.

Growing Guide:

• Sow in containers or raised garden beds
• Keep soil evenly moist with drip irrigation
• Shade slightly during peak sun

Kale pairs well with beets and bush beans and supports biodiversity—perfect for a low-maintenance, nutrient-packed summer garden.

10. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a heat-tolerant green you'll be harvesting into fall.

Here's Why It's Great:

• Tolerates heat and light frost
• Bright, colorful leaves add garden interest
• Thrives in containers and raised garden beds

Use DripWorks irrigation for steady watering, which helps prevent bitter or tough leaves. Swiss chard also repels certain pests when planted next to beans or garlic.

How to Maximize Your Summer Garden in July

Use the Best Drip Irrigation System

Watering is critical in the heat of July. The best drip irrigation system helps maintain consistent soil moisture while conserving water.

Drip irrigation systems are ideal for:

• Keeping leaves dry to avoid mildew
• Targeting water at the root zone
• Reducing evaporation and runoff

Whether growing in containers, raised garden beds, or in-ground, it makes a difference.

Know What Vegetables Grow Well Together

Understanding what vegetables grow well together improves yields and keeps your garden healthier. Here are a few top pairings:

• Beans + Corn + Squash
• Lettuce + Radish + Carrots
• Beets + Kale + Onions

These combos use space well, share nutrients, and help with pest prevention naturally.

How to Keep Pests Out of the Garden

July also means peak pest season, so learning to keep pests out of the garden is key. Try these organic, non-toxic solutions:

Natural Pest Prevention:

• Use row covers on leafy crops
• Grow companion plants like marigolds and basil
• Attract helpful insects like ladybugs and lacewings
• Clean up garden debris to stop hiding spots

For extra protection, consider neem oil or garlic sprays. Keeping your summer garden clean and well-maintained is half the battle.

How to Prepare Your Soil for a Successful Summer Garden

• Remove weeds, rocks, and debris to create a clean planting area.
• Test soil pH and aim for 6.0 to 7.0, which is ideal for most vegetables.
• Add compost or organic value to enrich soil nutrients and improve texture.
• Loosen soil by tilling or digging to enhance aeration and root growth.
• Ensure proper drainage while maintaining enough moisture for plants.
• Refresh soil in raised garden beds with nutrient-rich amendments before planting.

The Bottom Line

Planting in July is not just possible, but it's also effective. With the right vegetables and smart garden strategies, your summer garden can yield well into fall. Using containers and raised garden beds gives you control over soil and layout, while drip irrigation from DripWorks irrigation keeps watering efficient and stress-free.

Knowing what vegetables grow well together and how to keep pests out of the garden helps build a low-maintenance, high-yield space. Whether you're planting leafy greens, squash, or quick crops like radishes and beans, there's still time to grow something great this season.