As a passionate gardener and mom of three, I’ve learned that July doesn’t mean it’s too late to get your hands dirty in the garden.
In fact, some of my most successful harvests have come from mid-summer plantings!
Let me share my favorite heat-loving plants that thrive during the warmest days of summer.
Top 10 Plants to Grow in July
1. Verbena
I discovered verbena last summer when my garden beds needed a refresh, and I’ve been hooked ever since. These stunning flowers have become my go-to choice for adding instant color that lasts well into fall.
I’ve found they absolutely love my sunniest garden spot, right next to my patio where they can soak up endless rays. Just remember to keep their soil on the drier side – I learned that lesson the hard way after overwatering my first batch!
2. Swiss Chard
My kids used to turn their noses up at greens until I started growing Swiss chard. This hardy vegetable has become our family favorite for fall harvests.
I make sure to plant it at least 50 days before our first frost date. While it’s tough enough to handle chilly nights, I’ve noticed it gets cranky without consistent moisture, so I keep the watering can handy.
3. Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
The cheerful blanket flower has earned its nickname by creating the most beautiful “blanket” of blooms in my garden. Every morning, I love watching hummingbirds and butterflies dance around its red and yellow-tipped petals.
The best part? These native wildflowers keep showing up year after year, thanks to their self-sowing nature. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!
4. Arugula
When I’m craving some quick gratification in the garden, arugula is my go-to choice. This peppery green goes from seed to salad bowl in just about a month!
I’ve even grown it successfully on my small apartment balcony years ago, so don’t let limited space stop you. Just plant it in late July under a bit of shade for a perfect October harvest.
5. Lantana
My hanging baskets were looking rather sad until I discovered lantana. These beauties have transformed my outdoor living space with their unique scent and butterfly-attracting powers.
I give them a good soaking once a week and make sure they get plenty of sunshine. A little tip from my experience: keep an eye out for powdery mildew if they’re not getting enough light.
6. Carrots
My secret to year-round carrots? Planting them both in early spring and mid-summer. The key is preparing their bed properly – I spend extra time creating loose, sandy soil and removing every rock I can find.
Instead of traditional fertilizers, I sprinkle used coffee grounds around my carrots. It’s amazing what this simple kitchen waste can do!
7. Cleome
Don’t let cleome’s weed-like appearance fool you! These elegant flowers with their delicate fuchsia petals have become the showstoppers of my Southern garden.
They absolutely thrive in our intense summer heat and brighten up my pathway borders better than any other flower I’ve tried.
8. Bush Beans
For quick results, bush beans are my summer garden MVPs. They mature faster than pole beans and always seem to beat the frost when planted in late July.
My top tip? Cool down that summer soil with a good soaking before planting. Your beans will thank you with a bountiful harvest.
9. Anise Hyssop
This Midwest native has become my favorite herb for summer tea brewing. Its licorice-flavored leaves and lovely purple-blue flower spikes add both beauty and function to my garden.
Just keep those weeds in check – I’ve learned that anise hyssop isn’t much of a fighter when it comes to competing for garden real estate.
10. Pumpkin
Living in a warm climate means I can plant pumpkins as late as mid-July and still have beautiful orange globes by fall. These sprawling plants need plenty of space and sunshine.
I’ve learned to be ruthless with vine pruning to get the best pumpkins. My kids love helping me decide which vines to keep and which to trim!