If you've packed away your seed trays because summer is in full swing, don't close the garden gate just yet.
One of the biggest mistakes I see gardeners make is assuming the growing season is winding down. In reality, July is one of the most important months of the year if you want a productive fall garden.
Some of my favorite harvests actually come in the fall. Cooler temperatures, fewer pests, sweeter vegetables, and longer harvest windows make it one of the most rewarding seasons to grow food.
The key is getting started now.
Whether you're gardening in Arkansas like I am or somewhere else in the country, these vegetables deserve a spot in your July planting schedule.
Why Plant in July?
Most cool-season vegetables need plenty of time to mature before frost arrives.
If you wait until the weather finally feels like fall, you're already behind.
Starting seeds in July allows your plants to establish while there's still plenty of daylight. As temperatures begin cooling, they'll take off and reward you with beautiful harvests through fall—and sometimes well into winter.
If you're unsure exactly when to start seeds for your growing zone, my Year-Round Seed Starting Guide walks you through what to sow month by month across multiple USDA growing zones.
1. Broccoli
Broccoli absolutely shines as a fall crop.
Cool temperatures help produce tighter, sweeter heads than spring-grown broccoli, and you'll often deal with far fewer cabbage worms and insect issues.
My favorite varieties:
- Imperial
- Monty
- Green Magic
Tip: Start seeds indoors during the heat of summer, then transplant once temperatures begin easing.
2. Cauliflower
Cauliflower loves consistent cool weather.
Instead of struggling through summer heat, fall-grown cauliflower develops dense, beautiful heads with excellent flavor.
My favorite varieties:
- Earlisnow
- Purple Moon
- Cheddar
3. Cabbage
Cabbage only gets better as temperatures cool.
Many varieties become noticeably sweeter after light frosts, and harvested heads store beautifully for months.
My favorite varieties:
- Tiara
- Bilko
- Red Trumpet
- Ruby Perfection
4. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts require patience—but they're worth every day.
Because they're slower to mature, July is the perfect time to get them started.
Once cool weather arrives, the sprouts begin developing incredible flavor.
My favorite variety:
- Dagan - easily!
5. Kale
Kale might be one of the easiest vegetables you'll ever grow for fall.
A light frost actually improves its flavor, making the leaves sweeter and less bitter. Better yet, kale keeps producing long after many other crops have finished.
My favorite varieties:
- Rubybor
- Black Magic
- Kalebration Kale Mix
- Dazzling Blue
6. Carrots
If you've only grown carrots in the spring, you're missing out.
Cool soil creates sweeter roots, and fall carrots are some of the best you'll ever harvest.
My favorite varieties:
- Napoli
- Bolero
- Glow Stix Sunrise Mix
7. Beets
Beets are perfect for succession planting.
As summer crops begin coming out of your garden beds, tuck beet seeds into the empty space for another productive harvest.
My favorite varieties:
- Babybeat
- Boldor
- Red Ace
- Avalanche
And if you're looking for ways to enjoy your harvest, fermented beets are one of my favorite additions to the refrigerator.
Need a little additional help getting started in fermenting? I talk more about this in my Art of Fermentation Course, feel free to check this out!
8. Winter Squash
It might feel strange planting winter squash in July, but many varieties are just getting started.
These long-season crops reward you with months of storage and cozy winter meals long after the garden has gone dormant.
My favorite varieties:
- Honey Bear Acorn
- Delicata
- Waltham
- Honeynut
- Waldo
Don't Wait Until Fall
One of the biggest lessons gardening has taught me is that the best harvests begin long before you can see them.
Fall gardening isn't something you start when the weather cools down—it's something you prepare for in the middle of summer. I created a quick digital download to help you explore Fall garden templates to get you thinking in terms of productivity!
Spend a little time planting now, and future you will be harvesting baskets full of fresh vegetables while everyone else thinks gardening season is over.
If you're looking for a complete month-by-month planting schedule for your USDA zone, my Year-Round Seed Starting Guide takes the guesswork out of knowing exactly what to plant and when.
Ready to plan your best garden yet? I know you can do it.
