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What to Plant in July in the NC Piedmont

Cool Season Veggies and Summer Succession Planting


Garden harvest in box

July in North Carolina’s Piedmont can be hot and humid—but that doesn’t mean your planting season is over. In fact, Zone 7b gardeners have a golden window of opportunity to sow cool-season vegetables, and succession plant summer crops that allows us to sneak in another round of tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and squash for fall harvest.


Whether you're a seasoned grower or just digging in, here’s your guide to what to plant in July for fresh, delicious harvests well into autumn.


Cool-Season Vegetables to Start in July (Zone 7b)

These crops thrive when summer fades and temperatures begin to cool—just be sure to get them started now so they have time to mature before the first frost.


Carrots

  • Sow: Mid-July to early August.

  • Look for quick-growing varieties like Danvers 126 or Nelson.

  • Keep soil moist and cool to aid slow germination.


Kale

  • Sow: Late July or early August.

  • Cooler temps bring out its sweet, tender flavor.

  • Try Red Russian or Lacinato for color and texture.


Lettuce

  • Direct Sow: Mid to late July in partial shade, as the weather gets cooler you can start planting in sunnier spots.

  • Use bolt-resistant varieties like Salad Bowl or Buttercrunch.

  • Provide light afternoon shade or use shade cloth for best results.


Beets

  • Direct Sow: Mid-July through early August.

  • Enjoy both the roots and the greens.

  • Varieties like Detroit Dark Red are tried-and-true favorites.


Broccoli & Cabbage

  • Sow: Indoors now for transplanting in 4–5 weeks.

  • Choose fall-hardy varieties like Marathon (broccoli) and Stonehead (cabbage).

  • Transplant outdoors in August to beat the first frost.


Turnips

  • Direct Sow: Mid-July to early September.

  • Fast-growing, and great for roots and greens.

  • Try Purple Top White Globe or Just Right for smooth, sweet flavor.


Radishes

  • Direct Sow: Every 2–3 weeks through September.

  • Perfect for quick, crisp harvests.

  • Best grown in partial shade during summer.


Succession Planting: Round 2 of Summer Crops

Summer harvest of tomatoes and squash

Still craving more summer favorites? Many warm-season veggies can be planted again in July for a second flush of harvests.


Zucchini & Summer Squash

  • Sow: Early to mid-July.

  • Fast-growing and ready to harvest in about 50 - 55 days.

  • Direct sow into your garden. No muss, no fuss.


Bush Beans

  • Sow: Through late July.

  • Matures quickly and keeps producing if harvested often.

  • Great for filling in gaps left by spent crops, easy to sow directly.


Cucumbers

  • Sow: Start fresh in July to avoid pest-ridden spring plants.

  • Look for compact or pickling types like Bush Pickle or Marketmore.

  • Provide trellises to keep vines up and off the ground.

Tip: Work compost into the soil before planting, and water deeply in the early morning to help young seedlings thrive.

Late Starts for Tomatoes & Peppers? Still Worth It!

It might surprise you, but July isn’t too late to get more tomatoes and peppers in the ground—especially if you can find strong, locally grown transplants from Brawley Seed Co.


Tomatoes

  • Plant: By mid-July for a fall harvest.

  • Choose early or determinate varieties like Early Girl, Celebrity, or Bush Champion.

  • Mulch well and water deeply to reduce heat stress.


Peppers

  • Plant: From transplants in early to mid-July.

  • Look for compact, early producers like Gypsy, Banana, or Jalapeño.

  • Peppers love heat and will fruit until first frost.


Extend your season: Add a row cover in late September to protect against early chill and keep those plants producing.

Quick Tips for Successful July Planting in NC Piedmont

  • Water deeply and consistently, especially for new seedlings.

  • Mulch heavily to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.

  • Provide shade for sensitive crops using row cover or taller plants.

  • Watch for pests—cabbage worms, aphids, and squash bugs are still active.

  • Stagger your plantings every couple weeks to extend your harvest window.

  • Don't forget to stop by Brawley's if you need any help or have any questions.



Gardening doesn’t stop when summer peaks in the NC Piedmont, July is just the beginning of a whole new season of growing. Whether you're sowing carrots for fall, planting squash for round two, or giving tomatoes another go, there’s still plenty to look forward to.

Make the most of your Zone 7b growing season and keep your garden thriving all the way into autumn!


Life's a garden, dig it!

Kari

 
 
 
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