Q&A: Can I Grow Lettuce in July?
We’ve been hearing this question from lots of clients lately: “Can I plant more lettuce or arugula in July?”
Short answer: Not really.
Longer answer: It depends on your expectations.
In Middle Tennessee, July is blazing hot and the days are still long — which means leafy greens are likely to bolt (flower and turn bitter) before they ever become a salad. Even bolt-resistant varieties struggle in this heat. So unless you’re willing to get creative and baby those greens, it’s better to embrace the bounty of seasonal summer crops instead.
That means eating your way through zucchini, green beans, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant. Get into basil, try some okra, snack on cherry tomatoes, and chill out with cool cucumber salads or spicy quick pickles.
But if you’re really itching to try for another round of tender greens, here are our best tips:
How to Maybe Grow Lettuce in July
If you want to push the limits, go for it — but it’s not the same garden you do it differently than you did in March:
Choose bolt-resistant varieties: Look for heat-tolerant lettuce like ‘Muir,’ ‘Topicana’ (leaf), “Sunland’(romaine), or arugula cultivars like ‘Astro.’
Plant in the shade: Use natural shade from tall plants like tomatoes or trellised cucumbers, or create shade with shade cloth (30-50% works well).
Start in trays: Begin seeds indoors or in a cool, shaded area and transplant once they’re up — this avoids hot soil issues that can mess with germination.
Use misters or mulch: Regular moisture is critical. Water deeply and consistently or try setting up a mister system to help cool the leaves. Mulch helps keep soil temperatures lower, too.
Harvest early and often: Baby leaves are your best bet — don’t wait for full heads.
Still, even with all that effort, you might get bitter leaves or quick bolting. It’s okay. That’s nature’s way of saying: Try again in September.
What to Grow Instead in Mid-July
You’ve still got time for another round of summer crops — especially fast-maturing ones:
Beans (bush or pole)
Cucumbers
Summer squash and Zucchini
Okra
Cowpeas
Zinnias and sunflowers
These crops love heat and will mature before first frost if you plant them now.
For something super-fresh, crunchy, and quick. Grow sprouts on your kitchen counter.
Planning Ahead for Fall
July is actually the beginning of fall gardening. That’s right — it’s time to start seeds for your fall crops like broccoli, kale, and cabbage indoors. I know it feels too soon, but know that planting those out in late August/early September will give you a cool-season garden full of green goodness long after the tomatoes fade.
Pro-tip: If you’ve got an indoor set-up, cilantro or arugula microgreens can be grown inside during summer, providing fresh green crunch, even in the hottest months. I love to save a few clumps of microgreens and use them as transplants for the outdoor fall garden.
Bottom Line: You’re Not Doing It Wrong
If your lettuce bolted in June or you’re feeling behind because you didn’t succession-sowing every two weeks all summer… please hear this: You’re not doing it wrong. You’re gardening in Middle Tennessee — a place with hot summers, unpredictable rain, and plenty of garden and weather curveballs. Seasonal eating means adapting and enjoying what grows best right now.
Need help planning your next round of planting — or troubleshooting what’s happening in your raised bed? Reach out to schedule a garden coaching session. We’d love to help.
