It’s Not Too Late: 7 Things You Can Still Grow in Late June–Early July

Let's set you up with warm season planting options.

6/24/20254 min read

Hi, I'm Vanessa, your local Garden Consultant, and I would love to dream and grow with you!

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Vanessa Powell_Garden Consultant_Your Dream Garden
Vanessa Powell_Garden Consultant_Your Dream Garden

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If you're just now catching the gardening bug or you've been meaning to start but haven't quite gotten there yet—good news! You're not too late.

🌿 1. Bush Beans

Days to maturity: 50–60
These fast-growing legumes don’t need trellises and are ideal for staggered plantings throughout July. Great for kids and garden beginners.

Pro tip: Keep soil moist during germination and pick often to encourage continuous harvests.

person holding red chili plant
person holding red chili plant

🥬 2. Swiss Chard

Days to maturity: 55–65
A colorful, heat-tolerant green that keeps producing right through the first frost. Cut outer leaves and let the center keep growing.

Pro tip: Mulch around the base to hold moisture and discourage weeds.

🥒 3. Cucumbers

Days to maturity: 50–70
Plant by early July for a late-summer cucumber harvest. Choose bush or trellis varieties depending on your space.

Pro tip: Plant in rich soil and water at the base to avoid mildew. Harvest regularly to keep vines producing.

two green vegetables
two green vegetables

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red and green tomato fruit
red and green tomato fruit

In Zone 6b, where the first frost usually arrives around October 15, we still have 100–120 growing days left starting in late June. That means you can absolutely grow a wide range of vegetables that will thrive right through summer and into fall.

Whether you're planting in raised beds, containers, or a backyard plot, here are 7 great crops you can still start growing right now—and enjoy the harvest in just a few weeks to a few months:

🥕 4. Carrots

Days to maturity: 60–80
Perfect for fall harvests and can even sweeten with a light frost. Direct sow through mid-July.

Pro tip: Choose short or round varieties like Parisian or Little Finger for quicker results in raised beds or containers.

a group of peppers
a group of peppers

🥬 5. Heat-Tolerant Lettuce

Days to maturity: 30–45
Don’t give up on lettuce just because it’s summer! Choose bolt-resistant varieties like Jericho, Romaine Parris Island Cos, or Black Seeded Simpson.

Pro tip: Plant in partial shade or under taller crops to keep them cool. Harvest early in the day for crisp, flavorful leaves.

🍅 6. Tomatoes (Fast-Maturing Varieties)

Days to maturity: 55–75
Yes--- You still have a chance on tomatoes. Just make sure to get transplants of fast-growing varieties. Focus on early or determinate types such as Early Girl, Bush Goliath, or Celebrity.

Pro tip: Use black mulch or compost to warm the soil, and prune lower leaves to promote airflow and root growth. Stake or cage right after planting.

Final Thoughts: You’re Right on Time 🌱

Late June and early July are not the “too late” season—they’re the perfect season for fast, productive, and heat-loving crops. With just a little planning and the right varieties, you can have a vibrant, productive garden all the way into fall.

🌶️ 7. Peppers (Compact or Quick Varieties)

Days to maturity: 60–90
Like tomatoes, peppers planted in late June or early July will do best if started from larger transplants. Choose varieties like Ace, California Wonder, or Jalapeño Early.

Pro tip: Peppers love heat—use row covers early and fertilize with a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus blend to encourage fruiting.

🌟 Bonus: Long-Season Options to Try Now

If you’re planting before mid-July, you can even start longer-season crops like:

  • 🎃 Pumpkins – Choose smaller, fast-maturing types like Jack Be Little or Early Sugar Pie (90–100 days)

  • 🍈 Summer Squash (Zucchini, Pattypan) – Fast growers with heavy yields (45–60 days)

  • 🥒 Melons – Look for short-season varieties like Minnesota Midget or Sugar Baby

🌸 Are you ready to create a thriving, balanced garden this year?
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and let’s plan your most beautiful, abundant, and pollinator-friendly season yet.

Together, we'll design a garden that brings you joy by feeding you and your loved ones, and helping the planet at the same time.
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