Minnesota’s July offers a brief but intense growing period, perfect for fast-growing vegetables. When you’re looking for the best vegetables to plant in july in minnesota, you need crops that can mature before the first frost hits in late September or early October.
The key is to choose varieties with short days to maturity. You can still get a great harvest if you plant now, as long as you pick the right vegetables and give them a little extra care.
Best Vegetables To Plant In July In Minnesota
July planting in Minnesota is all about speed and heat tolerance. The soil is warm, which helps seeds germinate quickly, but the hot sun can also stress young plants. Here are the top choices that will thrive in your late-summer garden.
Leafy Greens For Quick Harvests
Leafy greens are your best bet for July planting. They grow fast and can handle cooler nights as summer fades into fall.
- Lettuce: Choose loose-leaf varieties like Black Seeded Simpson or Red Sails. They mature in 45-50 days.
- Spinach: Plant varieties like Bloomsdale or Space. Spinach actually prefers cooler weather, so July planting works well for a fall crop.
- Kale: This is a Minnesota superstar. Varieties like Lacinato or Red Russian can handle light frosts, which actually sweeten the leaves.
- Arugula: Spicy and fast. You can harvest baby leaves in just 20-25 days.
- Swiss Chard: Bright stems and tender leaves. It’s heat-tolerant and keeps producing until a hard freeze.
For all leafy greens, plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart for best growth.
Root Vegetables That Love Warm Soil
Root vegetables are another solid choice for July planting. The warm soil helps them establish quickly, and they store well for winter.
- Beets: Plant seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest. Varieties like Detroit Dark Red or Chioggia mature in 50-60 days.
- Carrots: Choose shorter varieties like Nantes or Paris Market. They mature faster than long types and are less likely to get woody in heat.
- Radishes: The ultimate quick crop. Some varieties are ready in just 25-30 days. Plant them in rows and harvest as soon as they’re big enough.
- Turnips: Both the roots and greens are edible. Varieties like Purple Top White Globe mature in 50-60 days.
- Parsnips: These take longer (100-120 days), but if you plant in early July, you can harvest after a frost for sweeter flavor.
Root vegetables need loose, well-drained soil. Remove rocks and clumps before planting to avoid forked roots.
Brassicas For Fall Harvest
Brassicas, or cabbage family crops, are perfect for July planting in Minnesota. They thrive in the cooler temperatures of late summer and early fall.
- Broccoli: Choose heat-tolerant varieties like Green Comet or Packman. They mature in 55-70 days.
- Cabbage: Quick varieties like Early Jersey Wakefield or Golden Acre work well. They need about 60-70 days.
- Cauliflower: This one is a bit trickier, but varieties like Snow Crown or Amazing can handle July heat.
- Brussels Sprouts: These need a long season (90-100 days), but they taste best after a frost. Plant in early July for a late October harvest.
- Kohlrabi: Fast and fun. Varieties like Early White Vienna mature in 45-55 days.
Brassicas are heavy feeders. Add compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting, and water consistently to prevent bolting.
Warm-Season Crops With Short Maturity
Some warm-season vegetables can still make it if you choose the right varieties and give them a head start.
- Bush Beans: Varieties like Provider or Contender mature in 50-55 days. Plant seeds directly in the soil after it warms up.
- Peas: Sugar snap or snow peas can handle cooler weather. Plant them in early July for a fall crop.
- Cucumbers: Pick quick varieties like Bush Pickle or Salad Bush. They mature in 50-60 days.
- Zucchini: This grows fast. Varieties like Black Beauty or Gold Rush produce fruit in 45-55 days.
- Summer Squash: Similar to zucchini, these need about 50-60 days. Plant seeds directly in warm soil.
For warm-season crops, consider using row covers or shade cloth to protect young plants from extreme heat. Water deeply in the morning to reduce stress.
Tips For Successful July Planting In Minnesota
Planting in July comes with unique challenges. Here are some practical tips to help your garden succeed.
Prepare Your Soil Properly
After your spring crops are done, the soil might be tired. Add a 2-3 inch layer of compost and work it in. This replenishes nutrients and improves moisture retention.
Test your soil pH if you haven’t recently. Most vegetables prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can buy a simple test kit at any garden center.
Water Consistently
July in Minnesota can be hot and dry. Newly planted seeds need constant moisture to germinate. Water lightly every day until seedlings emerge, then switch to deep watering 2-3 times per week.
Mulch around your plants with straw or grass clippings. This keeps the soil cool and reduces evaporation. It also suppresses weeds that compete for water.
Provide Shade When Needed
Young seedlings can get scorched in July heat. Use shade cloth or even old sheets to protect them during the hottest part of the day. Remove the shade after a week or two once plants are established.
You can also plant taller crops like corn or sunflowers on the west side of your garden. They cast afternoon shade on more delicate vegetables.
Watch For Pests
July is prime time for garden pests. Flea beetles, aphids, and cabbage worms love young plants. Check your garden daily and remove pests by hand or use insecticidal soap.
Companion planting can help. Plant marigolds or nasturtiums near your vegetables to deter pests. Dill and fennel attract beneficial insects that eat aphids.
Plan For Fall Frost
Minnesota’s first frost can come as early as mid-September in northern areas, or early October in the south. Check your average first frost date and count backward from there.
For example, if your first frost is October 1, you have about 90 days from July 1. Choose vegetables that mature in 60-80 days to give yourself a buffer.
Step-By-Step Guide To Planting In July
Follow these steps to get the best results from your July planting.
- Clear the area: Remove any spent spring crops and weeds. Pull out roots to prevent disease.
- Amend the soil: Add compost or a balanced fertilizer. Work it into the top 6 inches of soil.
- Check the weather: Plant on a cloudy day or in the evening to reduce transplant shock.
- Sow seeds or transplant: Follow package instructions for depth and spacing. Water immediately after planting.
- Mulch: Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around plants. Keep it away from stems to prevent rot.
- Water regularly: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a soaker hose for even watering.
- Fertilize lightly: After 3-4 weeks, side-dress with compost or a liquid fertilizer to boost growth.
- Monitor for pests: Check plants daily. Treat problems early before they spread.
- Harvest on time: Pick vegetables at their peak for best flavor. Regular harvesting encourages more production.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced gardeners make errors with July planting. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Planting too late: Some vegetables need more days than you think. Always check the days to maturity and count backward from your first frost date.
- Overwatering: While seeds need moisture, too much water can cause rot. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
- Ignoring soil temperature: Some seeds, like beans, won’t germinate in cold soil. Wait until the soil is at least 60°F before planting.
- Skipping fertilizer: July soil is often depleted. Don’t skip adding nutrients, especially for heavy feeders like brassicas.
- Forgetting about fall: Your July garden will need care into September. Plan for cooler weather and potential frost protection.
Best Vegetable Varieties For Minnesota July Planting
Not all varieties are created equal. Here are specific cultivars that perform well in Minnesota’s climate.
Lettuce Varieties
- Black Seeded Simpson: Heat-tolerant and crisp.
- Red Sails: Beautiful color and slow to bolt.
- Buttercrunch: Buttery texture and heat-resistant.
Carrot Varieties
- Nantes: Sweet and cylindrical, matures in 60-70 days.
- Paris Market: Round and small, perfect for shallow soil.
- Danvers: Classic shape, good for heavy soil.
Bean Varieties
- Provider: Reliable and disease-resistant.
- Contender: Early and productive.
- Blue Lake: Classic flavor, good for canning.
Broccoli Varieties
- Green Comet: Heat-tolerant and fast.
- Packman: Produces large heads.
- Waltham: Good for fall harvest.
Extending Your Harvest Into Fall
Your July planting can keep producing well into autumn with a little extra effort.
Use row covers or cold frames to protect plants from early frosts. These simple structures can add 2-4 weeks to your growing season. They also keep pests away and reduce wind damage.
Plant in succession every 2-3 weeks. This ensures you have a continuous harvest rather than everything ripening at once. For example, plant a row of lettuce every two weeks from July through August.
Choose frost-tolerant varieties for later plantings. Kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts actually taste better after a light frost. They can survive temperatures down to 20°F with protection.
Water less frequently as fall approaches. Cooler weather means less evaporation, and overwatering can lead to disease. Check soil moisture before watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant tomatoes in July in Minnesota?
It’s risky for full-sized tomatoes, but you can try cherry or grape tomato varieties that mature in 50-60 days. Use transplants instead of seeds for a head start.
What vegetables grow best in Minnesota’s short summer?
Leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas are your best choices. They tolerate cooler weather and mature quickly.
How late can I plant vegetables in Minnesota?
You can plant some fast-growing vegetables as late as mid-August. Radishes, lettuce, and spinach can still produce before frost.
Do I need to fertilize when planting in July?
Yes, July soil often lacks nutrients after spring crops. Add compost or a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again after 3-4 weeks.
Can I plant potatoes in July in Minnesota?
It’s possible but challenging. Choose early varieties like Red Norland or Yukon Gold. They need about 70-90 days, so plant by early July for a fall harvest.
Final Thoughts On July Planting In Minnesota
July is not too late to start a vegetable garden in Minnesota. With the right choices and a little care, you can enjoy fresh produce well into fall. Focus on fast-growing, cool-season crops and give them the water and nutrients they need.
Remember to check your local frost dates and plan accordingly. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be ready to protect your plants from unexpected cold snaps. Your July garden can be just as productive as your spring one, if not more so.
So get out there and plant. The soil is warm, the days are long, and there’s still plenty of time to grow something delicious. Your fall harvest will thank you.