What to plant in July in Maryland
In Maryland (MD), July is the heart of the growing season - about 13 weeks after the last frost (April 14) and 14 weeks before the first (October 20). The state averages 189 frost-free days a year (last frost April 14, first frost October 20; USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a).
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 Maryland frost dates (last frost Apr 14, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower in Maryland.
Maryland covers a very wide range of climates, so dates near you can be two weeks or more either side of these. Enter your ZIP code in the planting calendar for dates tuned to your town.
Maryland: 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 Maryland'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 21
- Zucchini / Summer Squash: sow again on Jul 14
- Bush Bean: sow again on Jul 14 and Jul 28
- Sweet Corn: sow again on Jul 14 and Jul 28
- Basil: sow again on Jul 21
- Edamame (Soybean): sow again on Jul 14
- Southern Pea (Cowpea): sow again on Jul 7 and Jul 21
- Sunflower: sow again on Jul 14 and Jul 28
- Amaranth (Leaf): sow again on Jul 14 and Jul 28
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 Maryland
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Maryland: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Peak growing season: July garden jobs in Maryland
- 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, radicchio, tarragon, potato should be coming in. Picking regularly keeps beans, squash and cucumbers producing.
USDA zone chart for Maryland
Maryland spans USDA zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a. 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 Maryland 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 Maryland in July?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Maryland have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 17.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Maryland in July?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Maryland the next lettuce window opens around August 15: sow for a fall crop.
When is the first frost in Maryland?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 14. Maryland covers a wide range of climates, so local dates can differ by two weeks or more - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Maryland in July?
From plantings made on time: cabbage, radicchio, tarragon, potato, fennel (bulb), mint, lemon balm, cucumber, okra, tomato.
What to plant in July in other states
Dates are computed from Maryland’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.