What to Plant in July
Planting in July using galvanized raised beds is a very effective method. Not only are galvanized raised beds durable, but they can help retain soil moisture and are especially suited to the heat of summer. The plants that are suitable for planting vary in different agricultural zones. Below are suggestions for galvanized beds to grow plants in July.
What Vegetables to Plant in July
Carrots (US zone 2a, 2b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)
Carrots sown in July will be harvested in late November or early December. In the early and middle stages of growth in hot weather, irrigation and watering should be done, and sowing should not be too dens, 5–30 cm is best. If the weather in your area is dry, you can cover the soil with mulch to keep moisture and cool it.
Companion plants: onions, leeks, lettuce, sage, peas, radishes, tomatoes, beans, celery, rosemary
Avoid growing near: parsnip, beetroot, dill, brassica, and fennel.
Lettuce (US zone 2a, 2b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)
Lettuce has a shallow root system and can be sown in an 11-inch metal flower bed or 17-inch raised garden beds and harvested in 8–12 weeks. Daily watering is required in hot or dry weather to prevent bitterness. Soil temperatures ranging from 46°F to 81°F are ideal for planting. And they should be 8 to 12 inches apart.
Companion plants: carrots, onions, strawberries, beets, radishes, marigolds, borage, fennel, leeks.
Avoid being close to: parsley, celery, and carrots.
Kale (US zone 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b)
In July, kale can be sown directly in the garden bed and harvested within 7–10 weeks without having to be incubated in seed trays waiting for germination. Sowing spacing is best kept at 20–39 inches. Soil temperatures range from 46°F to 86°F.
Kale is sun-loving and drought-tolerant. During planting, place it in a well-lit environment and keep the soil moist. When watering, pour the water directly into the soil to avoid watering the leaf core.
Companion plants: celery, cucumbers, onions, marigolds, rhubarb, and herbs (sage, dill, chamomile).
Avoid growing close to: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, strawberries.
Bok Choy (US zone 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b)
Bok choy can be grown year-round in most areas, which is very hardy and productive. It is suitable for direct sowing in garden beds and can generally be harvested in 6–11 weeks. Planting temperatures range from 70°F to 86°F.Maintain a planting spacing of 12 to 16 inches.
Companion plants: beets, celery, cucumbers, onions, rhubarb, herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, parsley), lettuce, potatoes
Avoid: climbing (pole) beans, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, strawberries.
Collards (US zone 2a, 2b, 6a, 6b, 9a, 9b, 10b)
The best feature of collard is their plump green leaves, which can be used as both a vegetable and a garden plant. The best time to pick is before they reach their maximum size. In July, collards can be sown directly in the raised planter at soil temperatures of 46°F to 86°F, spaced 16–20 inches apart, and generally harvested in 8–11 weeks.
Companion plants: dwarf (bush) beans, beets, celery, cucumbers, onions, rhubarb, sage, dill, chamomile.
Avoid growing close to: climbing beans, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, strawberries.
Rocket (US zone 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b)
Organic rocket prefers a warm, moist environment and grows well in rich soil, so it can be sown directly in the garden bed and harvested in about 21–35 days. Soil temperatures range from 50°F to 77°F. They should be 6-8 inches apart.
Companion Plants: Lettuce
Summer Savory (US zone 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b)
Summer savory prefers well-drained soil in full sun. Suitable for soil temperatures ranging from 64°F to 86°F, with 10 inch spacing.Harvest in about 6-10 weeks. Harvest before the flowers form for the best flavor.
Companion Plants: Beans, Onions
Mustard greens (US zone 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b)
Mustard greens are best sown at soil temperatures between 50°F and 95°F, with planting spacing of 14–24 inches. They are fast growing and can be harvested in 5–8 weeks.
Mustard greens are planted with a plant that is basically a ground-hugging kind of plant, so it can easily mix with other weeds, so mustard greens are best sown using a garden bed, which will reduce weed growth.
Companion plants: dwarf beans, beets, celery, cucumbers, onions, marigolds, goldenrod, rhubarb, and herbs.
Avoid close proximity to: tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, strawberries.
Cowpeas (US zone 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b)
Cowpeas planted in July have a relatively high water requirement from sowing to harvest and need to be watered promptly if the weather is dry. Cowpeas are usually harvested within 11–14 weeks after sowing, and soil temperatures should ideally be between 59 °F and 95 °F at the time of sowing. Maintain a row spacing of one metre.
Broccoli (US zone 8a, 8b, 10a, 10b)
Broccoli sown in March can be harvested in June, while broccoli sown in July can be harvested in 10–16 weeks. Broccoli likes a warm and moist growing environment, so use a garden bed to grow in more permeable soil.
Keep soil temperatures between 45°F and 86°F and rows 14-20 inches apart when planting.
Companion plants: beets, celery, cucumbers, onions, aromatic herbs (sage, dill, chamomile, oregano).
Avoid growing close to: climbing beans, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, strawberries, and mustard.
Plant Care in July
Temperatures are still high in July. Raised garden beds absorb most of the heat from the sun. Among the methods of physically cooling plants, the use of mulch is one of the most common methods to keep soil moisture, breathable and cool. Most of the plants are ready for harvest, although in July, the spring growth of the plants is over. In July, it is still a strong period for the growth of many plants. Therefore, the garden maintenance work in July cannot be ignored.
- Planting: Plant in July with proper space between plants. Plants need enough space between the individual plants to ensure completely healthy growth.
- Watering: Hot weather can easily cause plants to lack water, so watering is very important. It is best to water in the morning and evening. Be careful not to do it at noon. Watering when the temperature is the highest can easily damage the roots of the plant. For more details, please refer to the article: When is the Best Time of Day to Water the Raised Garden Bed?
- Pruning: If trees and flowers are planted, pruning should be done in July. In summer, the growth of branches and leaves slows down. Gardeners should prune according to the growth conditions of the plants so as to achieve the effect of ventilation, light transmission, and clear layers.
17" Tall 5x2 Garden Box (4 in 1)【Upgrade 2.0】
Our 17" high 4-in-1 garden box offers a solution for growing crops in smaller spaces. Additionally, they contribute to a neater and visually appealing garden. Moreover, the raised soil provides better drainage and ample room for root extension, even when placed on the ground.
Garden Box Ideas
Garden box ideas can transform your outdoor space into a productive and visually appealing area. For example, you might consider using raised garden boxes to grow vegetables, herbs, or flowers, which can be customized with different materials such as wood, metal, or composite.
Furthermore, incorporating features like built-in irrigation systems or trellises can enhance functionality and support plant growth. Additionally, arranging multiple boxes in various shapes and sizes can create a dynamic and organized backyard layout, making it easier to manage and maintain your plants.
Specifically, this 5x2 garden box, made of metal, is perfect for both vegetable and flower gardening. By purchasing 2-4 garden boxes, you can implement a yearly planting plan, as well as rotation and companion planting strategies.
Moreover, the high-quality metal panels used in this raised garden box are designed to resist rust and erosion from rain, ensuring long-lasting durability.
How to Build A Raised Garden Box
First, start by selecting the materials you’ll use, such as wood, metal , or composite boards.
Afterward, assemble the box by joining the boards or panels together, securing them with screws or nails.
Once the box is assembled, position it in a sunny, well-drained spot in your garden. Subsequently, prepare the ground beneath by clearing weeds and leveling the area.
What's more, place a layer of weed control fabric at the bottom of the box, followed by a layer of rough material like gravel to improve drainage.
Then, fill the box with a blend of good-quality soil and compost, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Finally, plant your favorite vegetables or flowers, and maintain the garden box with regular watering and soil care to support healthy plant growth.
USA Planting Calendar in July-Zone
Below are suggestions for using metal raised garden beds to grow plants in different zones 2a through 13b.
Zones 2a and 2b
Vegetables suitable for these zones include beans, beet, kale, carrot, chives, collard, lettuce, bok choy, onions, spinach, turnip, and radish.
Zones 3a and 3b
Vegetables suitable for these zones include beans, beet, kale, carrot, chives, collard, lettuce, onions, spinach, turnip, savory and radish.
Zones 4a and 4b
Vegetables suitable for these zones include beans, beet, kale, carrot, chives, collard, lettuce, onions, turnip, savory and radish.
Zones 5a and 5b
Vegetables suitable for these zones include beans, beet, kale, carrot, chives, collard, lettuce, onions, turnip, and radish.
Zones 6a and 6b
Vegetables suitable for these zones include beans, beet, kale, carrot, chives, collard, lettuce, onions, turnip, and radish.
Zones 7a and 7b
In these warmer zones, you could consider growing beans, celery, okra, corn, and cauliflower.
Zones 8a and 8b
Vegetables suitable for these zones include beans, beet, broccoli, cabbage, corn, tomato and lettuce.
Zones 9a and 9b
Considering growing climbing beans, beet, collards and kale in these zones.
Zones 10a and 10b
In zones 12a and 12b, you can grow climbing beans, beets, kale, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and herbs like basil and oregano. Ensure your garden beds receive sufficient sunlight to promote healthy plant growth.
Zones 11a and 11b
These zones are not usually planned for planting in July, but try planting heat-resistant tropical vegetables and herbs like okra, pumpkin, chili, rosemary, mint, and thyme.
Zones 12a and 12b
These zones are good for heat-tolerant vegetables like sweet potatoes, peppers, eggplants, okra, and tropical herbs that are ideal for planting.
Zones 13a and 13b
Heat-tolerant plants are recommended in these hot zones, like watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin, pepper, okra, eggplant, corn, sweet potato, green beans, and herbs.
