What should I plant in July in Chicago, IL?

In July in Chicago, IL (zone 6a), you can plant Chives, Dill, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, and more. These dates are based on local climate data for your area.

When do I plant Chives in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago, IL (zone 6a), Chives: start seeds indoors Jan 24 – Apr 30, transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Jul 8.

When do I plant Dill in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago, IL (zone 6a), Dill: direct sow May 9 – Aug 8.

When do I plant Mint in Chicago, IL?

In Chicago, IL (zone 6a), Mint: start seeds indoors Feb 1 – May 8, transplant outdoors Apr 1 – Jul 8.

What to Plant in July

Chicago, IL · Zone 6a

Last frost: Apr 20 Frost-free days: 178

Full year calendar for Chicago

Midsummer heat is on. Keep the garden watered and mulched. Start planning fall plantings — it's time to start cool-season crops indoors for a fall transplant.

July at a Glance

Indoor Transplant Direct Sow

1 5 10 15 20 25

Chives

Dill

Mint

Oregano

Parsley

Artichoke

Beans (Bush)

Beet

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Carrot

Cauliflower

Celery

Cucumber

Kale

Onion

Potato

Squash

Strawberry

Swiss Chard

Turnip

Zucchini

Start Indoors 2

Start these seeds indoors under grow lights or on a sunny windowsill.

Kale

Feb 15 – Jul 23

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Swiss Chard

Mar 1 – Aug 8

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Transplant 17

Move these seedlings from indoors to your garden beds.

Chives

Apr 1 – Jul 8

9 per sq ft 60–90 days

Mint

Apr 1 – Jul 8

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Parsley

Apr 1 – Aug 8

4 per sq ft 70–90 days

Broccoli

Apr 1 – Aug 16

1 per sq ft 60–100 days

Brussels Sprouts

Apr 1 – Jul 23

1 per sq ft 80–110 days

Cabbage

Apr 1 – Aug 8

1 per sq ft 70–100 days

Cauliflower

Apr 1 – Aug 16

1 per sq ft 55–100 days

Kale

Apr 1 – Sep 8

1 per sq ft 50–65 days

Onion

Apr 1 – Jul 8

9 per sq ft 100–120 days

Strawberry

Apr 1 – Jul 8

4 per sq ft 60–90 days

Swiss Chard

Apr 1 – Sep 8

4 per sq ft 50–60 days

Oregano

Apr 9 – Jul 8

1 per sq ft 60–90 days

Artichoke

Apr 9 – Jul 16

1 per sq ft 85–100 days

Celery

Apr 9 – Jul 8

4 per sq ft 80–120 days

Squash

May 9 – Jul 16

1 per sq ft 45–65 days

Zucchini

May 9 – Jul 16

1 per sq ft 45–60 days

Cucumber

May 17 – Jul 8

2 per sq ft 50–70 days Growing guide

Direct Sow 6

Plant these seeds directly into the soil outdoors.

Turnip

Mar 17 – Sep 30

9 per sq ft 30–60 days

Beet

Mar 24 – Sep 8

9 per sq ft 50–70 days

Carrot

Apr 1 – Aug 8

16 per sq ft 70–80 days

Potato

Apr 16 – Jul 8

1 per sq ft 70–150 days

Dill

May 9 – Aug 8

4 per sq ft 40–60 days

Beans (Bush)

May 9 – Jul 8

9 per sq ft 50–60 days

July Gardening Tips

Start Kale, Swiss Chard indoors now to give them a head start before transplanting outside.
Cucumber, Squash, Zucchini can be transplanted outside this month. Harden off seedlings over 5–7 days before planting out.
Direct sow Beans (Bush), Carrot, Potato straight into the garden — no transplanting needed.
Harvest regularly — letting vegetables overmature signals the plant to stop producing.