If you missed the season for Spring gardening, there is no need to worry. Mid-summer is an excellent time to plant a variety of garden vegetables that will thrive throughout the late summer and early fall. July is one of the best times to grow rich, leafy greens and root vegetables.
Looking for vegetables that you can grow in July? Read our list of suggestions below to enjoy fresh produce from your garden throughout the coming months.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a leafy vegetable that is related to beets, and has been cultivated since Roman times. It is easy to grow, and can be harvested at any time during its growth cycle. It’s also a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C, along with fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a warm-weather vegetable that will thrive in July and can be grown in a greenhouse, container garden, or raised bed. Cucumbers are easy to grow and require little maintenance.
Make sure you plant your cucumber seeds at least 6 inches apart, because they like their space. Cucumbers require generous watering, given that cucumbers are made of 95% water.
A good rule of thumb for any kind of vegetable is to water the soil when it feels dry about two inches down (you can use your finger or stick to test this). If you’re growing your vegetables in soil or compost, you may need to water them every day during hot weather.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-season crop that can be grown from spring through fall. It’s best to sow the seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost in your area, then transplant them outside after all danger of frost has passed. If you’re planting a garden in July, you most likely won’t need to worry about the risk of frost.
In warmer climates, broccoli will grow well in spring and summer. It can be harvested whole, or cut into individual florets. When harvesting broccoli, pick broccoli heads that appear large enough to serve as a dish on their own—ready to eat broccoli will be large with golden flowers and dark green leaves attached.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a member of the cabbage family and a cool season vegetable. They must be harvested before the plant starts to flower, which is usually around November or December. If left on the plant too long, they will become bitter and inedible.
July is an excellent time to plant Brussels sprouts in order to enjoy eating them throughout the fall. Sprouts are rich in vitamin C and vitamin K, as well as fiber, vitamin A, iron and magnesium.
Kale
Kale is a cool-season vegetable that tolerates cold temperatures. It is a sturdy plant that produces tender, deep green leaves and is slow to bolt, which means it will produce edible leaves until frost. Kale belongs to the Brassica family of vegetables, which includes cabbage and broccoli.
One cup of cooked kale contains more than one-third of the recommended daily intake for vitamin A, and almost 10 percent of your daily vitamin C needs.
Corn
Corn is a great vegetable to grow in your garden. It’s easy to grow, and is popular to eat throughout fall months. You can expect to harvest corn 6-8 weeks after planting, so July is an excellent time to start growing corn.
While corn isn’t typically recognized for nutritional value, it is easy to prepare and makes an excellent addition to a variety of dishes.
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a leafy vegetable that is related to beets and spinach. It’s easy to grow, can be harvested at any time, and contains plenty of vitamins including A, B6, and C. You can also eat the stems!
If you’re looking to add more fiber to your diet, you can do so by eating both the leaves and stems of Swiss chard.
New Zealand Spinach
New Zealand spinach is a cool season vegetable that grows best in mild temperatures. Spinach is a staple in many salads and dishes, and grows well when potted. It should be harvested regularly in order to encourage new growth.
You can grow New Zealand spinach in a greenhouse, cold frame, or even indoors during the winter months. If you’re starting a garden in July, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh spinach for your garden until the temperatures begin to drop drastically.
Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop that loves the spring, but it can be planted in late summer too. It’s a root vegetable and a member of the cabbage family. It is also part of the Brassica genus, which has over 100 species that include broccoli and cauliflower.
The leaves are edible, and it has a flavor similar to cabbage or kale. The most common way to prepare kohlrabi is by grating or slicing it into sticks or matchsticks and then serving it raw with dip as an appetizer. It can also be cooked as a savory and nutritious addition to any meal.
Beets
Beets are a root vegetable and are considered to be among the healthiest vegetables in the world. They are high in vitamin C, iron, potassium and dietary fiber. Beets also contain manganese which is an essential mineral for a healthy body.
Beets tend to thrive when planted from seed. They are easy to grow and are certainly worth adding to your garden in July if you’re looking to eat healthier and expand the amount of vegetables in your diet.
Carrots
Being a root vegetable, carrots thrive throughout late summer and early fall. Carrots grow best in a temperature range of 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Carrots grow best in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. They prefer well-drained soil that’s not overly rich or fertile. Carrots are very susceptible to drought, so be sure to water regularly.
Carrots are a popular vegetable known for being crunchy and slightly sweet. They are enjoyed raw as a snack with dressing or hummus, or can be steamed or roasted to go along with a meal.
Vegetables to Grow in July: Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling that July is too late to add new vegetables to your garden, that is certainly not the case. There are a variety of vegetables that love the warm, mild climate of July and early Fall. If you’re ready to continue cultivating your garden and adding more fresh produce to your diet, consider planting a few of these vegetables this July.
As you harvest fresh vegetables from your garden this season, use the Lil’ Broc app in order to track and monitor the freshness of your produce.