What to Plant in July?

Did you know July is one of the best months for setting up both your summer and autumn gardens? The soil is beautifully warm, the days are long—and plants truly take off now. As daylight gently shortens and autumn approaches, many vegetables and herbs deepen in flavor, giving you the very best harvest.

At Baker Creek Farm, July marks our big second planting cycle. Almost everything gets a second chance at growth, but some varieties simply thrive in this season—and I’ve compiled twenty-five true favorites that perform well nearly anywhere in the USA.

Plant now for the most abundant summer and autumn garden ever!

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July’s Top 25 Garden Standouts

1. Dragon Tongue Bean – “Creamy yellow pods with purple streaks and a sweet, nutty crunch.”
2. China Jade Cucumber– “Sweet, crisp cukes ideal for refreshing salads.”
3. Kuroda Carrot– “Sweet orange roots that shine in your autumn harvest.”
4.Thai Sweet Basil – “Fragrant leaves bursting with sweet, spicy flavor.”
5. Five‑Color Swiss Chard – “Rainbow stalks that brighten beds and plates.”
6. Mini Blue Popcorn – “Tiny kernels that pop with vintage charm.”
7. Shanghai Green Bok Choy – “Tender Asian greens perfect for stir‑fry.”
8. Apricot Lemonade Cosmos – “Soft blooms bring apricot glory to summer afternoons.”
9. Orange Hat Tomato– “Bright, zesty fruits and tiny plants.”
10. Mammoth Grey Sunflower – “Towering silvery heads that greet each morning.”
11. Hao Shan Lettuce – “Crisp leafiness with supreme flavor, our favorite Summer lettuce.”
12. Disco Mix Marigold– “Cheerful blossoms that dance in vibrant hues.”
13. Japanese Giant Red Mustard – “Bold purple-red leaves with a spicy, garlicky bite.”
14. Plumosa Glorious Mix Celosia – “Feathery plumes that feel like velvet.”
15. Chinese Wool Flower – “Soft, wool-like blooms adding whimsical texture.”
16. Strawberry Blonde Calendula – “Warm, golden-pink petals with a hint of sweet spice.”
17. Golden Beet– “Sunny yellow roots with tender, earthy flavor.”
18. Lemon Cucumber – “Small, lemony cukes with a tangy twist.”
19. Superbissima Petunias– “Bold, showy flowers stealing the summer spotlight.”
20. Autumn Beauty Sunflower– “Warm-toned blooms for autumn’s grand finale.”
21. Tatsoi – “Crisp Asian green, fast to harvest for stir‑fry or salad.”
22. Lime Queen Orange Zinnia – “Vibrant annuals brightening beds with regal color.”
23. Golden Zucchini– “Shimmering summer squash that tastes as good as it looks.”
24. Jack Be Little Pumpkin – “Tiny pumpkins, big on autumn charm.”
25. Rich Sweetness Melon – “Juicy melons that crown the late‑summer harvest.”

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Why July is So Delightful for Planting

• Ideal for succession planting: July offers a golden opportunity to re-seed garden spaces with beans, cucumbers, carrots, mustard, chard, and other quick-maturing plants—extending productivity through fall. 
• Heat-loving picks thrive: Warm-season crops like melons, squash, cucumbers, beans, and sunflowers flourish with July’s warmth.
• Fall-flavored favorites: Cool-season crops planted now, such as lettuce, tatsoi, mustard, beets, and carrots, mature with rich flavor as autumn nears. 

We hope you have a marvelous summer and a blessed autumn.