What to plant in July in Kentucky
In Kentucky (KY), July is the heart of the growing season - about 13 weeks after the last frost (April 18) and 14 weeks before the first (October 20). The state averages 185 frost-free days a year (last frost April 18, first frost October 20; USDA zones 6a, 6b, 7a).
18 crops have a sowing or planting window this month, including brussels sprouts, rutabaga, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber - and 1 of those windows close during July.
Dates here come from Kentucky frost dates (last frost Apr 18, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower in Kentucky.
Kentucky: planting activity through the year
Last chance in July
Brussels Sprouts (start transplants for fall, by Jul 7)
For fall and winter harvests (12)
Sowings counted back from Kentucky'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 20 – Jul 7 | Last chance - ends Jul 7 |
| Rutabaga | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 4 – Jul 21 | Jul 4 – Jul 21 |
| Broccoli | Start transplants for fall | Jul 11 – Jul 28 | Jul 11 – Jul 28 |
| Cabbage | Start transplants for fall | Jul 11 – Jul 28 | Jul 11 – Jul 28 |
| Cauliflower | Start transplants for fall | Jul 11 – Jul 28 | Jul 11 – Jul 28 |
| Cucumber | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 18 – Aug 4 | Opens Jul 18 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 18 – Aug 4 | Opens Jul 18 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 18 – Aug 4 | Opens Jul 18 |
| Bush Bean | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 25 – Aug 11 | Opens Jul 25 |
| Carrot | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 25 – Aug 11 | Opens Jul 25 |
| Kale | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 25 – Aug 11 | Opens Jul 25 |
| Radicchio | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 25 – Aug 11 | Opens Jul 25 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Cucumber: sow again on Jul 4 and Jul 25
- Zucchini / Summer Squash: sow again on Jul 18
- Bush Bean: sow again on Jul 4 and Jul 18
- Sweet Corn: sow again on Jul 4 and Jul 18
- Basil: sow again on Jul 4 and Jul 25
- Edamame (Soybean): sow again on Jul 4 and Jul 18
- Southern Pea (Cowpea): sow again on Jul 11 and Jul 25
- Sunflower: sow again on Jul 4 and Jul 18
- Amaranth (Leaf): sow again on Jul 4 and Jul 18
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 Kentucky
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Kentucky: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Peak growing season: July garden jobs in Kentucky
- 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.
- 14 weeks until the average first frost (October 20). 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 Kentucky
Kentucky spans USDA zones 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 Kentucky in July?
18 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 Kentucky in July?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Kentucky have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 21.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Kentucky in July?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Kentucky the next lettuce window opens around August 15: sow for a fall crop.
When is the first frost in Kentucky?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 18. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Kentucky 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 Kentucky’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.