July is one of the best gardening months in Saint John. With the last spring frost long past and the first fall frost typically not arriving until early to mid-October, gardeners still have plenty of growing time left. Saint John generally enjoys about 160 frost-free days, thanks to the moderating influence of the Bay of Fundy.
What to Plant in July
Fast-Growing Vegetables
You can still sow:
- Bush beans
- Leaf lettuce
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Green onions
- Arugula
- Swiss chard
- Turnips
These crops mature quickly and can provide harvests before autumn frost.
Fall Harvest Crops
Late July is an excellent time to start:
- Kale
- Broccoli (transplants)
- Cabbage (transplants)
- Beets
- Carrots
- Rutabagas
These cool-season vegetables often taste better after cooler autumn temperatures arrive.
July Garden Tasks
Water deeply
- Aim for about 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water per week.
- Water early in the morning to reduce disease.
Mulch heavily
- Straw, shredded leaves, or bark mulch help conserve moisture during warm spells.
Harvest regularly
- Pick beans, peas, lettuce, cucumbers, and zucchini often to encourage continued production.
Watch for pests
- Check for slugs, aphids, cabbage worms, and tomato hornworms.
- Remove damaged leaves promptly.
Flowers for July Colour
If you have empty spots in flower beds, you can still plant:
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Calendula
- Alyssum
Warm-season annuals thrive once soil temperatures are consistently warm.
Saint John July Gardening Tip
The Bay of Fundy keeps Saint John’s summers cooler than many inland New Brunswick communities. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, and zucchini generally perform well, but choosing early- or short-season varieties can improve yields in cooler summers. Saint John’s growing season typically extends into October.
Good bets for a July planting in Saint John: lettuce, beans, kale, spinach, radishes, carrots, beets, and green onions. These are among the most reliable crops for a productive late-summer and fall harvest. 🌱🍅🥕