Should you really be planting things when you can cook an egg on your patio? The answer is yes! Fear not, my sun-loving friend! While your northern neighbors are harvesting their summer bounty, you’re just getting warmed up (pun absolutely intended).

July in these zones is not for the faint of heart. You’re talking temperatures that make your thermometer want to retire early, with daytime highs routinely flirting with triple digits and nighttime lows that barely dip below 75°F. It’s the kind of heat that makes you wonder if you’ve accidentally moved to the surface of the sun.

But here’s the secret that keeps you gardening through the swelter – this intense heat is actually a superpower for certain plants. While delicate northern blooms would wilt faster than an ice cream cone in your July sun, you’ve got a whole roster of heat-loving, drought-tolerant superstars ready to step up to the plate.

So, grab your widest sun hat, slather on that SPF 1000, and let’s dive into 12 vegetables, fruits, and herbs that’ll not just survive, but positively thrive when planted in July in your tropical oasis. We’ll also cover some crucial summer garden tasks that’ll keep your garden productive and your water bill from rivaling the GDP of a small country.

Remember, gardening in zones 9-10 in July is all about working smarter, not harder (because let’s face it, in this heat, “harder” isn’t really an option). So let’s turn this blast furnace of a month into a cornucopia of homegrown delights!

Okra

If there were a vegetable Olympics for heat tolerance, okra would take home the gold every time. This Southern staple laughs in the face of your July temperatures. Plant okra seeds directly in the garden, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. ‘Clemson Spineless’ is a classic variety, but if you want to add some color to your garden, try ‘Red Burgundy’. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, then water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. In about 60 days, you’ll be slicing up these tender pods for your favorite gumbo recipe.

Learn more about growing okra in our Okra Gardening Guide.

Sweet Potatoes

July is prime time to get those sweet potato slips in the ground. These heat-loving vines will soak up your summer sun like it’s a day at the beach. Choose varieties like ‘Beauregard’ or ‘Centennial’ for reliable producers. Plant slips 12-18 inches apart in well-draining soil, and be prepared to give them some space – these vines like to stretch out. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In about 100-120 days, you’ll be unearthing these nutrient-packed tubers, just in time for Thanksgiving!

Learn more about growing sweet potatoes in our Sweet Potatoes Gardening Guide.

Eggplant

While your northern friends are beginning to harvest their eggplants, you’re just getting started! July-planted eggplants will thrive in your warm soil and provide a bountiful harvest well into fall. Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Florida Market’ or ‘Long Purple’. Plant seedlings about 18-24 inches apart, and consider providing some afternoon shade if temperatures consistently soar above 95°F. Keep the soil evenly moist, and in about 60-80 days, you’ll be enjoying homemade baba ganoush or eggplant parmesan.

Learn more about growing eggplants in our Eggplant Growing Guide.

Peppers (Hot and Sweet)

Both hot and sweet peppers love your July heat, making this the perfect time to plant. For sweet peppers, try ‘California Wonder’ or ‘Cubanelle’. Heat seekers can spice things up with ‘Jalapeño’ or ‘Habanero’. Plant seedlings 18-24 inches apart in full sun. Peppers appreciate well-draining soil, so consider planting them in raised beds or containers if your soil tends to hold water. Keep them consistently moist, and in 60-80 days, you’ll be adding homegrown peppers to your favorite recipes.

Learn more about growing peppers in our Bell Peppers Growing Guide and our Hot Peppers Growing Guide.

Southern Peas (Black-eyed Peas, Crowder Peas)

These heat-loving legumes are perfect for your July garden. Drought-tolerant and nitrogen-fixing, they’re a win-win for soil and your table. Try varieties like ‘California Blackeye’ or ‘Mississippi Silver’. Sow seeds directly in the garden, spacing them about 4-6 inches apart. These tough plants can handle your heat with minimal fuss, producing a generous harvest in about 60-70 days.

Learn more about growing peas in our Peas Growing Guide.

Malabar Spinach

While traditional spinach would bolt faster than a cat in a dog park in your July heat, Malabar spinach thrives. This heat-loving vine isn’t actually related to spinach, but its thick, glossy leaves have a similar mild flavor. Plant seeds or seedlings near a trellis or fence, spacing them about 12 inches apart. In just a few weeks, you’ll have a beautiful, edible vine producing nutritious greens all summer long. New Zealand Spinach is another good one!

Learn more about growing spinach in our Spinach Gardening Guide.

Basil

July is perfect for planting this fragrant herb. Basil loves heat and will grow like crazy in your summer weather. Try classic ‘Genovese’ for Italian dishes, or spice things up with ‘Thai’ basil. Sow seeds directly in the garden or in containers, keeping the soil consistently moist until germination. Once established, basil prefers deep, infrequent watering. Start harvesting leaves when the plant is about 6 inches tall, and pinch off any flower buds to encourage bushier growth.

Learn more about basil in our Basil Gardening Guide.

Lemongrass

This aromatic herb is right at home in your tropical-like July weather. Lemongrass adds a zesty, citrusy flavor to Southeast Asian cuisines and makes a delightful tea. Plant seedlings or divided clumps about 24 inches apart in full sun. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. In just a few weeks, you’ll be adding this fragrant herb to your favorite recipes.

Rosemary

Believe it or not, July is a great time to plant rosemary in zones 9-10. This Mediterranean herb loves heat and is drought-tolerant once established. Plant seedlings or rooted cuttings about 24-36 inches apart in well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal issues. In no time, you’ll have a fragrant, evergreen shrub that provides year-round herbs and attracts pollinators to your garden.

Learn more about growing rosemary in our Rosemary Gardening Guide.

Tropical Fruits

July is an excellent time to plant tropical fruit trees in zones 9-10. Consider adding these to your edible landscape:

• Mango: Try varieties like ‘Kent’ or ‘Keitt’ for sweet, juicy fruits.
• Papaya: Fast-growing and productive, ‘Red Lady’ or ‘Maradol’ are popular choices.
• Avocado: Both ‘Hass’ and ‘Fuerte’ thrive in your climate.
• Guava: Try ‘Ruby Supreme’ for pink flesh or ‘Thai White’ for a crisp, white-fleshed variety.

When planting fruit trees in July, be sure to water them deeply and frequently until established. Mulch well to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Heat-Tolerant Tomatoes

I know what you’re thinking – “Tomatoes? In July? Are you crazy?” But hear me out! While most tomato varieties would cry uncle in your July heat, there are a few heat-set varieties that can handle it. Try ‘Solar Fire’, ‘Florida 91’, or ‘Heatmaster’ for full-sized tomatoes, or go for cherry types like ‘Sun Gold’ or ‘Sweet 100’, which tend to be more heat-tolerant. Plant seedlings 24-36 inches apart, like cages or stakes, providing sturdy support. Water deeply and consistently, and provide some afternoon shade if possible. With a little TLC, you could be enjoying fresh tomatoes in about 70-80 days.

Learn more about growing tomatoes in our Tomato Gardening Guide.

July Garden Chores for Zones 9-10

1. Mulch, mulch, mulch! Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around your plants to retain moisture and keep roots cool.
2. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning is the best time to water.
3. Provide shade for sensitive plants during the hottest part of the day. Shade cloth or row covers can be lifesavers.
4. Monitor for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, which thrive in hot weather. Treat as necessary, preferably with organic methods.
5. Harvest regularly to keep plants producing. Many vegetables will slow down or stop producing if mature fruits are left on the plant.
6. Start planning your fall garden. It’s not too early to start seeds indoors for cool-season crops you’ll plant in September or October.
7. Keep an eye out for signs of heat stress in your plants, such as wilting or leaf scorch. Adjust watering and shading as needed.
8. Prune and fertilize citrus trees if you haven’t already done so this season.
9. Clean and sharpen your gardening tools. July is a great time for tool maintenance when it’s too hot to do much else outside.
10. Take care of yourself! Garden in the early morning or late evening to avoid the worst of the heat, and don’t forget to stay hydrated.

So there you have it, heat warrior! July in zones 9-10 isn’t about retreating indoors to the sweet embrace of air conditioning (well, not entirely). It’s about adapting, persevering, and maybe even thriving in conditions that would make a cactus sweat.

Remember, while your northern friends are posting photos of their picture-perfect tomatoes, you’re playing the long game. Your July plantings will be providing you with fresh, homegrown produce long after their gardens have succumbed to frost. So slap on that sunscreen, grab your watering can, and let’s make this July a month to remember in the garden!

Now, I’d love to hear from you. What are your go-to July plantings? Any secret tricks for gardening in what essentially feels like the surface of the sun? Or maybe you’ve got a killer recipe for all that okra you’re about to harvest? Drop a comment below and let’s keep this hot (pun intended) gardening discussion going!