The Ultimate July Planting Guide: Best Seeds For Your Zone

By: Ashleigh Smith for True Leaf Market

Many gardeners make the mistake of thinking they should stop planting once summer arrives. But experienced growers know this is the perfect time to start planning and seed starting for their fall crops. Many crops, including carrots, thrive and even develop a sweeter flavor as cool fall temperatures approach. Take advantage of the summer heat by planning your next big harvest and growing some micros to pair with your summer salads! You can find the top seeds to grow this July for each zone range below.

How to Find Your Zone

The USDA hardiness zone map has been used by gardeners for decades as a guide to what to plant and when. However, it is only part of the puzzle. Each hardiness zone is assigned to an area based solely on the average lowest temperature it experiences. It does not take into account other factors such as high temperatures, the duration of freezing temperatures, weather patterns, etc. There are many other factors that can affect your ability to grow one plant over another. This is why it is always important to take a recommendation and consider any local limiting factors at your growing location before planting.

As you review these recommendations, consider how many growing days remain in your season before your first frost date. This will help you select specific varieties that fit your timeline or that have exceptional hardiness to extend into the cooler months.

Cool Climates: Zones 1-7a

Summer peaks from July into August in these cool zones, which usually experience extended cold winters. You are probably keeping a close eye on your warm-season crops for signs of heat stress and are gathering a regular harvest. Continue to keep these crops well-watered, supported, and productive while you start planning and starting your fall garden indoors. There are still a few seeds you can sow in July, or get a jump-start on fall transplant crops indoors for the perfect holiday harvest.

Best seeds to plant in July for Zones 1–7a:

Radishes - 25–30 days to maturity; one of the few crops with enough time

Spinach - cold-hardy; can survive light frost; ideal for a fall harvest

Lettuce - fast-maturing varieties only; sow now for September harvest

Kale - frost actually improves flavor; perfect for short-season zones

Bush beans - just enough time in Zone 5-6; direct sow immediately

Cilantro - bolts in heat; thrives when sown in cooler late-season conditions

Temperate Climates: Zones 7b-9a

July is all about maintaining your existing crops in these mild-winter zones. Heat and pest pressures are at their peak as you work to keep your garden well-hydrated and productive. While you still have plenty of time to harvest these summer crops, there are a few seeds to plant in July for zones 7-9, directly or started indoors. To extend your harvest, consider succession planting crops such as beans and summer squash if your growing location has a cooler microclimate.

Best seeds to plant in July for Zones 7b-9a:

Broccoli - start indoors now; transplant in August for a fall harvest

Cabbage - same timing as broccoli; a July start is ideal

Carrots - direct sow now for an October/November harvest

Beets - fast-maturing and heat-tolerant during germination

Arugula - thrives in cooling temperatures; sow directly

Basil - still time for a full succession of summer basil

Zinnias - fast-maturing flower; still time for late summer color

Warm Climates: Zones 9b-12

July can be one of the most challenging months for growers in these warm-winter zones. While you have some crops growing, most traditional vegetables may struggle. Your priorities for this month are centered on keeping the soil covered, watering existing crops, and protecting crops from heat stress. Tropical regions within this range may have thriving plant life due to the rainy season. You may choose to plant some select crops in July, including ginger, turmeric, taro, and lemongrass. Non-tropical regions should consider growing cover crops to keep the soil covered and protected during periods of high heat. Wait to place new plantings until monsoon moisture starts.

Best seeds to plant in July for Zones 9b–12:

Sweet potatoes - thriving in July heat; slips planted now produce well

Southern peas/cowpeas - heat lovers; peak performance in warm zones

Okra - one of the few vegetables that genuinely thrives in July heat

Armenian cucumber - heat-tolerant; prolific in warm summer conditions

Sunflowers - fast-growing

Winter squash - start now for a fall harvest before temperatures drop

Herbs - succession sow every few weeks

July is not the end of planting season; it's a new beginning, depending on where you grow. The seeds you put in the ground this month could mean fresh vegetables on your table well into fall and beyond. The key is to start now, while the window is still open, with varieties matched to your climate and remaining frost-free days.

About the Author:

Ashleigh Smith is the Managing Editor at True Leaf Market with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. True Leaf Market is a nationally certified organic, non-GMO seed and horticultural company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The True Leaf Market staff specializes in supplying a large selection of conventional, heirloom, and organic seeds to home gardeners everywhere. Learn more about our seeds, supplies, and other growing ideas: www.trueleafmarket.com.

All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.

Article URL:
https://www.gardensmart.com/?p=articles&title=The_Ultimate_July_Planting_Guide_Best_Seeds_For_Your_Zone