What to plant in July in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island (RI), July is the heart of the growing season - about 12 weeks after the last frost (April 25) and 13 weeks before the first (October 15). The state averages 173 frost-free days a year (last frost April 25, first frost October 15; USDA zones 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 Rhode Island frost dates (last frost Apr 25, first frost Oct 15). For one crop in detail, see when to plant broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island: planting activity through the year
Last chance in July
Brussels Sprouts (start transplants for fall, by Jul 2) · Rutabaga (sow for a fall crop, by Jul 16)
For fall and winter harvests (18)
Sowings counted back from Rhode Island'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 15 – Jul 2 | Last chance - ends Jul 2 |
| Rutabaga | Sow for a fall crop | Jun 29 – Jul 16 | Last chance - ends Jul 16 |
| Broccoli | Start transplants for fall | Jul 6 – Jul 23 | Jul 6 – Jul 23 |
| Cabbage | Start transplants for fall | Jul 6 – Jul 23 | Jul 6 – Jul 23 |
| Cauliflower | Start transplants for fall | Jul 6 – Jul 23 | Jul 6 – Jul 23 |
| Cucumber | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 13 – Jul 30 | Jul 13 – Jul 30 |
| Fennel (Bulb) | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 13 – Jul 30 | Jul 13 – Jul 30 |
| Zucchini / Summer Squash | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 13 – Jul 30 | Jul 13 – Jul 30 |
| Bush Bean | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 20 – Aug 6 | Opens Jul 20 |
| Carrot | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 20 – Aug 6 | Opens Jul 20 |
| Kale | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 20 – Aug 6 | Opens Jul 20 |
| Radicchio | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 20 – Aug 6 | Opens Jul 20 |
| Collard Greens | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 27 – Aug 13 | Opens Jul 27 |
| Endive & Escarole | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 27 – Aug 13 | Opens Jul 27 |
| Napa Cabbage | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 27 – Aug 13 | Opens Jul 27 |
| Parsley | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 27 – Aug 13 | Opens Jul 27 |
| Pea | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 27 – Aug 13 | Opens Jul 27 |
| Swiss Chard | Sow for a fall crop | Jul 27 – Aug 13 | Opens Jul 27 |
Keep sowing (succession)
Repeat sowings of crops already in the ground, for a steady harvest instead of a glut.
- Cucumber: sow again on Jul 11
- Zucchini / Summer Squash: sow again on Jul 25
- Bush Bean: sow again on Jul 11 and Jul 25
- Sweet Corn: sow again on Jul 11 and Jul 25
- Basil: sow again on Jul 11
- Edamame (Soybean): sow again on Jul 11
- Southern Pea (Cowpea): sow again on Jul 4 and Jul 18
- Sunflower: sow again on Jul 11
- Amaranth (Leaf): sow again on Jul 11 and Jul 25
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 Rhode Island
Every crop has its own full-year dates for Rhode Island: indoor start, transplant or direct sowing, and harvest.
Peak growing season: July garden jobs in Rhode Island
- 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 15). 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, broccoli, cauliflower should be coming in. Picking regularly keeps beans, squash and cucumbers producing.
USDA zone chart for Rhode Island
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island in July?
For this year, yes - the tomato windows in Rhode Island have closed. The next step is to start seeds indoors from about February 28.
Is it too late to plant lettuce in Rhode Island in July?
Not too late - it's actually a little early. In Rhode Island the next lettuce window opens around August 10: sow for a fall crop.
When is the first frost in Rhode Island?
The statewide average first fall frost is around October 15 and the last spring frost around April 25. Your town can be a week or two either side - look yours up by ZIP code.
What can I harvest in Rhode Island in July?
From plantings made on time: cabbage, basil, broccoli, cauliflower, radicchio, zucchini / summer squash, tarragon, potato, parsley, bush bean.
What to plant in July in other states
Dates are computed from Rhode Island’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.