9 Vegetables You Can Still Get A Full Harvest From Even In July!
Summer is in full swing, and while some gardeners may feel it’s too late to plant new vegetables, July is actually a great time to get a second (or even first!) crop in the ground.
Whether you’re looking to fill in gaps in your garden, extend your harvest season, or simply make the most of the warm weather, there are plenty of vegetables that can thrive and produce a full harvest even when planted in mid-summer.
Here are nine vegetables you can still plant in July and enjoy a bountiful harvest later in the season.
Green Beans
Why They Thrive:
Green beans are fast-growing and can mature in as little as 50 days, making them perfect for a July planting. They love the warm soil and sunny days, and they can continue producing well into the fall with proper care.
Tips for Planting:
- Varieties: Choose bush beans for a quicker harvest or pole beans for extended production.
- Soil: Ensure well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Spacing: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows.
Harvest Time:
Expect to start harvesting your green beans in about 7-8 weeks. Keep picking the beans regularly to encourage more production.
Beets
Why They Thrive:
Beets are a versatile vegetable that can be harvested for both their roots and greens. They tolerate heat better than many other root vegetables and can mature in about 55-70 days.
Tips for Planting:
- Varieties: ‘Detroit Dark Red’ and ‘Golden’ are great options.
- Soil: Loose, fertile soil with a neutral pH.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and thin to 3-4 inches apart.
Harvest Time:
You can start harvesting beet greens as soon as they reach a few inches in height. Roots will be ready in about 8-10 weeks.
Carrots
Why They Thrive:
Carrots love loose, sandy soil and consistent moisture. With a relatively short maturity period of about 60-80 days, they’re ideal for planting in July.
Tips for Planting:
- Varieties: ‘Nantes’ and ‘Chantenay’ are excellent choices.
- Soil: Ensure deeply tilled, well-draining soil.
- Spacing: Sow seeds thinly, about 1/4 inch deep, and thin to 2 inches apart.
Harvest Time:
Carrots can be harvested in about 10-12 weeks, but they can stay in the ground longer to develop more sweetness.
Radishes
Why They Thrive:
Radishes are one of the quickest vegetables to grow, with some varieties maturing in as little as 25 days. They’re perfect for filling in gaps in the garden and adding a quick, crunchy crop.
Tips for Planting:
- Varieties: ‘Cherry Belle’ and ‘French Breakfast’ are speedy growers.
- Soil: Loose, well-draining soil is best.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
Harvest Time:
Most radishes are ready to harvest in about 3-4 weeks. Sow them every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest.
Lettuce
Why They Thrive:
Lettuce grows quickly and prefers cooler temperatures, but many varieties can tolerate the summer heat if given some shade. Leaf lettuce can be harvested in as little as 30 days.
Tips for Planting:
- Varieties: ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ and ‘Buttercrunch’ are heat-tolerant.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and thin to 6-8 inches apart.
Harvest Time:
Leaf lettuce can be harvested as soon as it reaches a usable size, usually in about 4-6 weeks.
Spinach
Why They Thrive:
Spinach can be a bit tricky in the heat, but New Zealand spinach or Malabar spinach varieties thrive in warmer conditions and provide nutritious greens all summer long.
Tips for Planting:
- Varieties: Choose heat-tolerant types like New Zealand spinach.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with consistent moisture.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and thin to 12 inches apart.
Harvest Time:
Spinach is usually ready to harvest in about 6-8 weeks. Regular harvesting encourages new growth.
Swiss Chard
Why They Thrive:
Swiss chard is a hardy green that tolerates heat well and can produce continuously throughout the season. It’s also ornamental with its bright, colorful stems.
Tips for Planting:
- Varieties: ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Fordhook Giant’ are popular choices.
- Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil with a neutral pH.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and thin to 6-12 inches apart.
Harvest Time:
Begin harvesting outer leaves as soon as they are large enough to eat, usually in about 6-8 weeks.
Cucumbers
Why They Thrive:
Cucumbers are summer staples that grow rapidly and can produce abundant yields. They prefer warm weather and can mature in as little as 50-70 days.
Tips for Planting:
- Varieties: ‘Marketmore’ and ‘Straight Eight’ are reliable performers.
- Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 12 inches apart.
Harvest Time:
Cucumbers are typically ready to harvest in about 6-8 weeks. Pick them regularly to encourage continuous production.
Summer Squash
Why They Thrive:
Summer squash, including zucchini, grows quickly and can produce a prolific harvest. They thrive in the warmth of summer and can mature in about 50-60 days.
Tips for Planting:
- Varieties: ‘Yellow Crookneck’ and ‘Black Beauty’ zucchini are great choices.
- Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of compost.
- Spacing: Sow seeds 1 inch deep and thin to 24-36 inches apart.
Harvest Time:
Summer squash is typically ready to harvest in about 6-8 weeks. Pick them young and tender for the best flavor.
Don’t let the calendar deter you from getting your hands dirty and planting a new crop in July. With these fast-growing and heat-tolerant vegetables, you can still enjoy a full and rewarding harvest later in the season. Happy gardening!
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