What to plant in July in Illinois
In Illinois (IL), July is the heart of the growing season - about 12 weeks after the last frost (April 20) and 13 weeks before the first (October 14). The state averages 177 frost-free days a year (last frost April 20, first frost October 14; USDA zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a).
24 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including brussels sprouts, rutabaga, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber - and 2 of those windows close during July.
Dates here come from Illinois frost dates (last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 14). For one crop in detail, see when to plant broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower in Illinois.
Illinois: planting activity through the year
Last chance in July
Brussels Sprouts (start transplants for fall, by Jul 1) · Rutabaga (sow for a fall crop, by Jul 15)
For fall and winter harvests (18)
Sowings counted back from Illinois's first fall frost, so the crop matures before the cold - or, for garlic and similar, planted after it.
| Crop | What to do | Window | This month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brussels Sprouts | Start transplants for fall | Jun 14 – Jul 1 | Last chance - ends Jul 1 |
| Rutabaga | Sow for a fall crop | Jun 28 – Jul 15 | Last chance - ends Jul 15 |
| Broccoli | Start transplants for fall | Jul 5 – Jul 22 | Jul 5 – Jul 22 |
| Cabbage | Start transplants for fall | Jul 5 – Jul 22 | Jul 5 – Jul 22 |
| Cauliflower | Start transplants for fall | Jul 5 – Jul 22 | Jul 5 – Jul 22 |
| Cucumber | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 12 – Jul 29 | Jul 12 – Jul 29 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 12 – Jul 29 | Jul 12 – Jul 29 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 12 – Jul 29 | Jul 12 – Jul 29 |
| Bush Bean | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 19 – Aug 5 | Opens Jul 19 |
| Carrot | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 19 – Aug 5 | Opens Jul 19 |
| Kale | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 19 – Aug 5 | Opens Jul 19 |
| Radicchio | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 19 – Aug 5 | Opens Jul 19 |
| Collard Greens | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 26 – Aug 12 | Opens Jul 26 |
| Endive & Escarole | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 26 – Aug 12 | Opens Jul 26 |
| Napa Cabbage | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 26 – Aug 12 | Opens Jul 26 |
| Parsley | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 26 – Aug 12 | Opens Jul 26 |
| Pea | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 26 – Aug 12 | Opens Jul 26 |
| Swiss Chard | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 26 – Aug 12 | Opens Jul 26 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Cucumber: sow again on Jul 6 and Jul 27
- Zucchini / Summer Squash: sow again on Jul 20
- Bush Bean: sow again on Jul 6 and Jul 20
- Sweet Corn: sow again on Jul 6 and Jul 20
- Basil: sow again on Jul 6 and Jul 27
- Edamame (Soybean): sow again on Jul 6
- Southern Pea (Cowpea): sow again on Jul 13 and Jul 27
- Sunflower: sow again on Jul 6 and Jul 20
- Amaranth (Leaf): sow again on Jul 6 and Jul 20
Harvesting in July
First harvests expected this month from crops sown or planted on time earlier in the season.
Planting dates for popular crops in Illinois
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Illinois: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Peak growing season: July garden jobs in Illinois
- Water deeply two or three times a week rather than a little every day - about an inch a week, more in heat. See watering a vegetable garden.
- 13 weeks until the average first frost (October 14). Fall crops start now: brussels sprouts, rutabaga, broccoli, cabbage. See the fall and winter garden guide.
- Check the undersides of leaves twice a week - catching pests early is most of the battle (pest identification guide).
- Harvest often: cabbage, basil, cauliflower, radicchio should be coming in. Picking regularly keeps beans, squash and cucumbers producing.
USDA zone chart for Illinois
Illinois spans USDA zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a. Colder zones, usually higher or further inland, have a later last spring frost and an earlier first fall frost than the state average.
Questions gardeners ask
What vegetables can I plant in Illinois in July?
24 crops have a window in July: brussels sprouts, rutabaga, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, fennel (bulb), zucchini / summer squash, bush bean, carrot and more. The tables above give the exact dates for each.
Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Illinois in July?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Illinois have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 23.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Illinois in July?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Illinois the next lettuce window opens around August 9: sow for a fall crop.
When is the first frost in Illinois?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 14 and the last spring frost around April 20. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Illinois in July?
From plantings made on time: cabbage, basil, cauliflower, radicchio, tarragon, potato, parsley, new zealand spinach, fennel (bulb), summer savory.
What to plant in July in other states
Dates are computed from Illinois’s statewide average frost dates (from NOAA/NCEI climate normals) and each crop’s timing in our crop database. Your garden may be a week or two either side - for dates tuned to your ZIP code, use the planting calendar.