Think the summer gardening window has closed? Not so fast. Many gardeners assume it's too late to plant once July rolls around, but that's simply not true. Plenty of quick-growing vegetables can go from seed to harvest in just a few weeks.
With the right selections, you can enjoy fresh homegrown produce well into fall. These 15 speedy vegetables not only tolerate summer heat but actually thrive in it. Let's explore what you can still plant by mid-July for a bountiful late-summer and early-fall harvest.
1. Bush Beans
Bush beans are the perfect late-season crop for impatient gardeners. These compact plants don't require staking and produce tender pods in about 50-60 days from sowing. They prefer warm soil and thrive in summer conditions, making them ideal for July planting.
Choose varieties like 'Provider' or 'Blue Lake Bush' for reliable results. Simply sow seeds directly in the garden about 1 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Bush beans don't transplant well, so direct sowing is your best bet. With minimal care beyond regular watering, you'll be harvesting fresh beans by late August or early September.
2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers grow remarkably fast in warm weather, often ready for harvest in just 50-70 days. For late plantings, focus on bush varieties or compact cultivars like 'Spacemaster' or 'Salad Bush' that don't require extensive trellising and mature quickly.
Sow cucumber seeds directly in the garden in full sun, about ½ inch deep. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged. Cucumbers planted in July often face fewer pest problems than spring plantings and can produce until the first frost. For continuous harvests, pick fruits when they're small and tender, which encourages more production.
3. Zucchini and Summer Squash
Zucchini and summer squash are famous for their productivity, often going from seed to table in just 40-50 days. These garden favorites actually perform better in the warm conditions of summer than in cool spring weather. They're perfect for filling gaps in your garden after spring crops have finished.
Plant seeds directly in the soil about 1 inch deep. Summer squash varieties like 'Early Prolific Straightneck' or 'Black Beauty' zucchini will reward you with abundant harvests well into fall. One or two plants are usually sufficient for a family, as they're incredibly prolific. Regular harvesting encourages continued production.
4. Carrots
Fast-maturing carrot varieties can be ready to pull in as little as 50-60 days. Look for varieties specifically bred for summer planting, such as 'Adelaide,' 'Napoli,' or 'Little Finger.' These heat-tolerant types develop sweet flavor even in warm conditions.
Sow carrot seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil about ¼ inch deep. Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge, which can take 1-2 weeks. Thin seedlings to stand 2 inches apart when they're about 2 inches tall. Summer-sown carrots often taste sweeter than spring plantings, especially after light autumn frosts enhance their flavor.
5. Beets
Beets are dual-purpose vegetables offering both nutritious roots and tasty greens. Early-maturing varieties can be ready in just 50-60 days. 'Early Wonder,' 'Detroit Dark Red,' and 'Chioggia' all perform well in summer plantings and provide quick returns.
Sow beet seeds directly in the garden about ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart. Each "seed" is actually a fruit containing several seeds, so thinning will be necessary once seedlings emerge. Beet greens can be harvested lightly while roots develop. These cool-season crops actually grow well when started in the heat if given consistent moisture and light shade during the hottest part of the day.
6. Turnips
Turnips are among the fastest-growing root vegetables, ready for harvest in just 30-60 days, depending on the variety. Both the roots and the greens are edible, offering tremendous value from a single planting. 'Tokyo Cross' and 'Purple Top White Globe' are excellent choices for summer sowing.
Direct-sow turnip seeds about ¼ inch deep in rows 12-18 inches apart. Thin seedlings to stand 3-4 inches apart. Turnips prefer cool conditions but will grow in summer if given consistent moisture. The roots develop sweeter flavor when temperatures begin to cool in early fall, making July-planted turnips particularly delicious by harvest time.
7. Radishes
Radishes are the speed demons of the vegetable garden, ready to harvest in as little as 21-30 days. Summer varieties like 'Cherry Belle,' 'French Breakfast,' and 'White Icicle' tolerate heat better than spring types and provide almost instant gratification.
Sow radish seeds directly in the garden about ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. For summer plantings, choose a spot with afternoon shade or use row covers to provide light protection from intense heat. Consistent moisture produces tender, crisp roots without the pithiness or excessive heat that can develop in dry conditions.
8. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a heat-tolerant leafy green that can be harvested multiple times throughout the season. Plants mature in about 50-60 days, but baby leaves can be harvested much sooner. Unlike spinach, chard won't bolt in summer heat, making it perfect for July planting.
Sow seeds directly in the garden about ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart, later thinning to 6 inches apart. Varieties like 'Bright Lights' offer colorful stems in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow, adding ornamental value to your vegetable garden. Harvest outer leaves regularly, allowing the plant center to continue producing new growth for months.
9. Kale
Kale started in July will mature in about 50-60 days, providing nutritious greens well into fall and even winter in many climates. This superfood actually tastes sweeter after exposure to frost, making late-season plantings especially flavorful. Varieties like 'Red Russian' and 'Lacinato' (Dinosaur Kale) perform particularly well for summer sowing.
Direct-sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and 3 inches apart, later thinning to 12 inches apart. Kale seedlings appreciate some afternoon shade during the hottest part of summer while getting established. Once plants are mature, harvest the outer leaves regularly, leaving the growing center intact for continuous production.
10. Lettuce
With careful variety selection, lettuce can succeed even in mid-summer plantings. Heat-resistant varieties like 'Black Seeded Simpson,' 'Rouge d'Hiver,' and 'Jericho' can be ready to harvest in just 30-45 days. Focus on loose-leaf types rather than head lettuce for fastest results.
Sow lettuce seeds very shallowly, barely covering with soil. For summer plantings, choose a location with afternoon shade or use shade cloth to protect young plants from intense heat. Consistent moisture is essential for sweet, tender leaves. Harvest outer leaves as needed in a "cut-and-come-again" approach for extended production.
11. Arugula
Arugula grows incredibly fast, ready for baby leaf harvests in just 21 days and fully mature in 40 days. This peppery green adds zip to summer salads and can be planted repeatedly for continuous harvests. Summer-grown arugula tends to be spicier than spring crops, adding bold flavor to your meals.
Direct-sow seeds about ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. Thin seedlings to stand 3-4 inches apart for full-size leaves, or leave them closer together for baby greens. Arugula prefers cool conditions but will grow in summer heat if given afternoon shade and consistent moisture. For the best flavor, harvest in the morning before the day heats up.
12. Green Onions
Green onions (scallions) can be ready to harvest in as little as 30 days, making them perfect for quick summer returns. They require minimal space and can even be grown in containers, perfect for tucking into garden gaps or patio pots.
Plant seeds directly in the garden about ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. Varieties like 'Evergreen Bunching' and 'Tokyo Long White' perform well in summer conditions. Green onions have shallow roots, so consistent moisture is important. Harvest by pulling entire plants, or extend your harvest by cutting leaves about an inch above soil level, allowing them to regrow.
13. Bush Cucumbers
Unlike their vining cousins, bush cucumbers take up minimal space and mature quickly, often producing harvestable fruits in just 50-55 days. Varieties like 'Spacemaster,' 'Salad Bush,' and 'Bush Champion' are specifically bred for compact growth and rapid production.
Sow seeds directly in the garden about ½ inch deep after soil has warmed. Bush cucumbers work well in containers or small garden spaces, needing only about two square feet per plant. Their compact habit means they're less susceptible to powdery mildew than vining types, as they have better air circulation around the leaves.
14. Basil
While technically an herb, basil deserves mention for its quick growth and perfect pairing with summer vegetables. Ready to start harvesting in just 30 days, basil thrives in the same warm conditions as tomatoes and peppers. It's the perfect complement to those summer staples you may already have growing.
Sow basil seeds directly in the garden ¼ inch deep after all danger of frost has passed. Varieties like 'Genovese,' 'Thai,' and 'Purple Basil' all perform well in summer heat. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and prevents flowering, which can make leaves bitter. Basil grows beautifully in containers, making it perfect for patio gardens or small spaces.
15. Cilantro (Slow-Bolt Varieties)
Traditional cilantro bolts quickly in summer heat, but slow-bolt varieties like 'Santo' and 'Leisure' can provide harvests even when planted in July. These heat-resistant types take about 50-55 days to mature but can be harvested for tender leaves much sooner.
Direct-sow cilantro seeds about ¼ inch deep and 2 inches apart. Providing afternoon shade can help extend the harvest period. For a steady supply, plant small batches every 2-3 weeks. Cilantro's quick growth makes it ideal for filling gaps in the garden or growing in containers near the kitchen.
Get Growing for Late-Summer Harvests
July doesn't mark the end of planting season but rather opens up new opportunities for quick-growing crops. These 15 vegetables prove you can still enjoy fresh, homegrown produce with mid-summer plantings. The key is selecting the right varieties and providing appropriate care during hot weather.
Grab those seeds and get planting before the July 15 cutoff. With minimal effort now, you'll enjoy fresh harvests in as little as three weeks for the fastest growers. The satisfaction of extending your growing season with these quick-maturing vegetables makes the small effort well worth it. Your fall dinner table will thank you.