The 10 Best Flowers and Vegetables to Plant in July

Now that the hottest days of the growing season are upon us, you may think it’s time to put away your planting trowel and gardening gloves. Not exactly! You actually can plant many different edibles and ornamentals in July to squeeze out a second harvest or brighten up faded flower beds, containers and planter boxes. Many types of edibles can be planted from seed even now, as long as you have enough time left before a frost. Check with your local university coop extension service (find yours here) to find the first expected frost date in your area, then count backwards. For example, if your first frost is generally around October 15, and the seed package says the plant takes "60 days to maturity," you’re still in good shape! For flowers, it’s a great time to head to the nursery to pick up a few new ones to refresh beds that no longer look their best. And though it goes without saying, keep everything watered if you’re in a dry spell!

Typically, here’s what you can plant in July: