LOUISIANA — Gardeners don’t have to wait until spring to get growing. According to the LSU AgCenter, July is an excellent time to begin planting a variety of vegetables and fruits that can provide a productive late-summer and fall harvest.
The LSU AgCenter recently released its recommended July planting schedule, with planting dates varying slightly between North and South Louisiana to account for climate differences.

What You Can Plant in July

Gardeners in North Louisiana can plant:

Cantaloupes (direct-seed or transplants) through July 31

Bell peppers (plants) through July 31

Cauliflower (plants) beginning July 15

Collards (direct-seed) beginning July 15

Eggplant (plants) through August 15

Kale (direct-seed or plants) beginning July 15

Okra (direct-seed or plants) through August 15

Southern peas (direct-seed) through July 31

Irish potatoes (seed potato pieces) beginning July 15

For South Louisiana, planting windows extend later for several crops, including peppers, eggplant, kale, okra, cauliflower, collards, and Irish potatoes because of the region’s longer growing season.

Plan Now for a Fall Harvest

With Louisiana’s warm climate, many vegetables thrive when planted in midsummer, allowing gardeners to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce well into the fall. Proper watering, mulching, and pest management are especially important during July’s high temperatures to help young plants become established.

Whether you’re planting a backyard garden for the first time or adding to an existing one, July offers plenty of opportunities to grow a successful crop.

The LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Vegetable Growing Guide provides detailed planting calendars, variety recommendations, and growing tips for home gardeners across the state. Gardeners can access the free guide online to help plan a productive growing season.

From okra and peppers to kale, collards, cauliflower, and Irish potatoes, now is the time to get those seeds and transplants in the ground for a fresh Louisiana fall harvest.

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