What to plant in July in New Mexico
In New Mexico (NM), July is the heart of the growing season - about 12 weeks after the last frost (April 20) and 14 weeks before the first (October 20). The state averages 183 frost-free days a year (last frost April 20, first frost October 20; USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9a).
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 New Mexico frost dates (last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 20). For one crop in detail, see when to plant broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower in New Mexico.
New Mexico 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.
New Mexico: 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 New Mexico'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 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 and Jul 20
- 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 New Mexico
Every crop has its own full-year dates for New Mexico: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Peak growing season: July garden jobs in New Mexico
- 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 New Mexico
New Mexico spans USDA zones 4b, 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 9a. 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico in July?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in New Mexico have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 23.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in New Mexico in July?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In New Mexico the next lettuce window opens around August 15: sow for a fall crop.
When is the first frost in New Mexico?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 20 and the last spring frost around April 20. New Mexico 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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico’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.