What to Plant in July in Zone 8 Western Washington

July in Zone 8 Western Washington is one of the most exciting months in the garden. The long days, warm (but rarely scorching) temperatures, and low rainfall create a sweet spot for planting, transplanting, and succession sowing. Whether you're growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, there's plenty to get in the ground right now — and plenty to plan for fall.

This guide covers exactly what to start in July in Zone 8 Western Washington, including direct sow vegetables, transplants, flowers, and herbs — plus tips to make the most of your summer garden window. For a broader overview of what to grow, see our Complete Vegetable Seeds Growing Guide.

Understanding Zone 8 Western Washington in July

Zone 8 in Western Washington includes cities like Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Bellingham, and the surrounding lowlands. Average July highs hover between 75–82°F, with cool nights in the 50s. The region is largely frost-free from late April through mid-October, giving you a solid growing window.

Key July conditions to keep in mind:

• Dry season: Western Washington's famous rain largely disappears in July. Irrigation is essential.
• Long days: 15+ hours of daylight accelerates growth and bolting in cool-season crops.
• Mild heat: Unlike inland zones, temperatures rarely exceed 90°F, making it ideal for heat-sensitive crops.
• Fall planning window: July is your last chance to start many crops that will mature before the October rains return.

Vegetables to Direct Sow in July in Zone 8

1. Radishes

Radishes are one of the fastest and most rewarding crops to direct sow in July. They germinate in 3–5 days and are ready to harvest in as little as 22–28 days. Sow every 1–2 weeks for a continuous harvest through September. Our French Breakfast Radish Seeds are a classic choice, or try the fast-maturing Champion Radish Seeds (28 days) for the quickest returns. For something impressive, the German Giant Radish produces enormous roots perfect for fall pulls.

Sow depth: ½ inch | Spacing: 1–2 inches apart, rows 6 inches apart | Days to harvest: 22–30

2. Lettuce and Salad Greens

Early July is your window for succession lettuce before the days shorten. Choose bolt-resistant varieties and provide afternoon shade if temperatures spike. Our Freckles Romaine Lettuce Seeds are a beautiful, heat-tolerant option, and the Speckles Butterhead Lettuce is excellent for late-summer sowing. By late July, conditions cool enough for standard varieties again.

Sow depth: ⅛ inch (surface sow) | Spacing: 6–8 inches | Days to harvest: 45–60

3. Spinach

Wait until late July to direct sow spinach — earlier sowings often bolt in the long days. Our Olympia Spinach F1 is an excellent bolt-resistant variety for fall production, and the Orach Purple Mountain Spinach is a stunning heat-tolerant alternative that thrives in the Pacific Northwest summer. Spinach sown in late July will be ready for harvest in September and October.

Sow depth: ½ inch | Spacing: 3–4 inches | Days to harvest: 40–50

4. Kale

Kale thrives when started in July for fall and winter harvests. Our Dinosaur Lacinato Kale Seeds are a Pacific Northwest staple — incredibly cold-hardy and productive well into November and beyond in Zone 8. These crops will continue producing through the winter with minimal care.

Sow depth: ½ inch | Spacing: 12–18 inches | Days to harvest: 55–70

5. Beets

Beets sown in July will be ready for fall harvest. They prefer cooler soil for germination, so water well and consider light shade cloth if temperatures are high. Our Golden Detroit Beet Seeds are a beautiful, sweet variety, and the Cylindra Beet Seeds produce long, cylindrical roots that are easy to slice and store.

Sow depth: ½–1 inch | Spacing: 3–4 inches | Days to harvest: 55–70

6. Carrots

July is a great time to sow carrots for fall harvest. The warm soil speeds germination, and the cooling fall temperatures sweeten the roots. Our Cosmic Purple Carrot Seeds are a showstopper in the garden and on the plate, while the Parisian Carrot Seeds are perfect for heavier Pacific Northwest soils. Keep the seed bed consistently moist until germination.

Sow depth: ¼ inch | Spacing: 2–3 inches | Days to harvest: 70–80

7. Beans (Bush Beans)

Early July is your last reliable window for bush beans in Zone 8 Western Washington. They need 50–60 days to harvest and won't tolerate frost. Sow by July 10–15 to ensure harvest before the first fall frost (typically mid-October). Our Slenderette Bush Bean Seeds are a proven performer — slim, tender pods that produce prolifically through the season.

Sow depth: 1–1.5 inches | Spacing: 4–6 inches | Days to harvest: 50–60

8. Peas (for Fall)

Peas can be sown in late July for a fall harvest in Zone 8. They prefer cooler temperatures for flowering and pod set, so a late July sowing times them perfectly. Provide a trellis and keep well-watered through the dry August stretch.

Sow depth: 1 inch | Spacing: 2–3 inches | Days to harvest: 60–70

9. Turnips and Rutabagas

Both turnips and rutabagas are excellent July sowings for fall harvest. They're cold-hardy, fast-growing, and incredibly productive. Classic choices for the Pacific Northwest that will carry you well into the fall season.

Sow depth: ½ inch | Spacing: 4–6 inches | Days to harvest: 50–90

10. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is an underrated gem for Zone 8 July sowings. It matures quickly (45–60 days) and handles both summer heat and fall cool. Direct sow or transplant for a reliable fall harvest.

Sow depth: ¼–½ inch | Spacing: 6 inches | Days to harvest: 45–60

Vegetables to Transplant in July

Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cabbage

If you started brassica seedlings in June, July is transplant time. These crops need 60–90 days to mature and will be ready for harvest in September and October. Space them 18–24 inches apart and water deeply at transplant. Watch for cabbage worms and aphids — row cover is your best friend. For more on growing cauliflower from seed, see our Cauliflower Seeds Growing Guide.

Leeks

Leek transplants started in May or June can go in the ground in July. They're incredibly cold-hardy and will overwinter in Zone 8 for harvest through winter and early spring.

Celery and Celeriac

Transplant celery and celeriac seedlings in early July. They need consistent moisture and benefit from afternoon shade during heat spikes. Reliable performers in the Pacific Northwest.

Flowers to Start in July in Zone 8

July is a fantastic month for fast-growing annual flowers in Zone 8. For a full breakdown of which flowers germinate fastest, check out our guide to The Fastest Growing Flower Seeds for Quick Garden Color.

Marigolds

Marigolds started from seed in early July will bloom by late August and continue until frost. They're excellent companion plants for vegetables, repelling aphids and whiteflies. Our African Marigold Antigua Gold and African Marigold Antigua Yellow are bold, tall varieties perfect for the back of borders, while the compact Chica Orange Marigold and Chica Yellow Marigold are ideal for edging and containers. For expert tips on getting the most from your marigold seeds, see our guide on Starting Marigold Seeds Indoors.

Zinnias

Early July is your last window for zinnias in Zone 8. They need 60–70 days to bloom and won't survive frost. Our Zinnia Peppermint Seeds produce stunning bicolor blooms, and the Zinnia Zydeco Cherry is a vibrant, eye-catching variety for late-season color. Direct sow in full sun and thin to 12 inches.

Sunflowers

Quick-maturing sunflower varieties (50–60 days) can still be direct sown in early July. Our Miss Sunshine Dwarf Sunflower is perfect for smaller spaces and containers, while the Sunfinity Sunflower is a branching, continuously blooming variety that produces flowers all the way to frost. Sow 1 inch deep, 12 inches apart in full sun.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are fast-growing, edible, and thrive in Zone 8 summers. Direct sow in July for blooms in 5–6 weeks. They prefer poor soil — too much fertilizer produces leaves at the expense of flowers.

Calendula

Calendula (pot marigold) is a cool-season flower that actually prefers the mild temperatures of late summer and fall in Zone 8. Sow in mid-to-late July for fall blooms. It's edible, medicinal, and beloved by pollinators.

Pansies and Violas (for Fall)

Start pansy and viola seeds indoors in late July for fall transplants. They'll bloom through fall and often overwinter in Zone 8, returning in spring.

Herbs to Start in July

Basil

Early July is your last chance for basil in Zone 8. It needs warm soil and at least 60 days before frost. Direct sow or transplant in full sun. Pinch flowers to extend harvest. For everything you need to know about growing basil from seed, see our Basil Seeds Growing Guide.

Cilantro

Cilantro bolts quickly in long days, but late July sowings time perfectly with the shortening days of August. Sow every 2–3 weeks for continuous harvest.

Dill

Dill sown in July will be ready for harvest in August and September — perfect timing for pickling season. Direct sow in full sun, thin to 12 inches.

Parsley

Parsley is slow to germinate (14–21 days) but worth the wait. Sow in July for fall and winter harvest. It's biennial and will overwinter in Zone 8.

Chives

Chives can be direct sown in July and will establish before fall. They're perennial in Zone 8 and will return year after year. Sow thickly and thin to clumps of 6–8 plants. For a full herb garden guide, visit our Herb Seeds Growing Guide.

July Garden Tasks in Zone 8 Western Washington

• Water deeply and consistently. July is the driest month in Western Washington. Most vegetables need 1–1.5 inches of water per week. Water at the base, not overhead, to reduce disease.
• Mulch everything. A 2–3 inch layer of straw or wood chip mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures stable.
• Succession sow. Sow radishes, lettuce, and salad greens every 1–2 weeks for continuous harvest.
• Harvest regularly. Zucchini, beans, and cucumbers should be harvested every 2–3 days to keep plants productive.
• Deadhead flowers. Remove spent blooms from marigolds, zinnias, and nasturtiums to encourage continuous flowering.
• Watch for pests. Aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs are active in July. Check plants daily and treat early.
• Feed heavy feeders. Tomatoes, squash, and corn benefit from a balanced fertilizer or compost side-dressing in July.
• Plan your fall garden. Order seeds now for fall brassicas, cover crops, and overwintering crops. Popular varieties sell out fast.

What NOT to Plant in July in Zone 8

Not everything thrives when started in July. Avoid these sowings:

• Onions from seed — too late for bulb development; use sets or transplants instead.
• Corn — needs 70–90 days and won't mature reliably if sown after early July.
• Winter squash — too late for most varieties to mature before frost.
• Peppers from seed — far too late; transplant established starts only.
• Melons — Zone 8 Western Washington rarely has enough heat for melons started in July.

Zone 8 Western Washington July Planting Calendar

Crop	Method	Sow/Transplant By	Expected Harvest
Radishes	Direct sow	Late July	August–September
Lettuce	Direct sow	Mid-July	August–September
Spinach	Direct sow	Late July	September–October
Kale	Direct sow or transplant	Mid-July	September–November
Beets	Direct sow	Mid-July	September–October
Carrots	Direct sow	Mid-July	October–November
Bush Beans	Direct sow	July 10–15	September
Peas	Direct sow	Late July	October
Broccoli/Cauliflower	Transplant	Early July	September–October
Leeks	Transplant	Mid-July	Winter–Spring
Marigolds	Direct sow	Early July	August–October
Zinnias	Direct sow	Early July	August–October
Calendula	Direct sow	Mid-to-late July	September–November
Basil	Direct sow or transplant	Early July	August–September
Cilantro	Direct sow	Late July	August–September
Dill	Direct sow	Mid-July	August–September

Final Tips for Zone 8 Western Washington July Gardening

July is a month of abundance and planning in Zone 8 Western Washington. While you're harvesting summer crops, you're simultaneously laying the groundwork for a productive fall garden. The key is to act quickly — the window for many fall crops closes by mid-to-late July.

Focus on succession sowing, consistent irrigation, and getting your brassica transplants in the ground early. The mild, dry summers of Western Washington are a gift — use every day of them.

Happy gardening, and don't forget to browse our full seed collection to stock up on everything you need for your July plantings. For a complete resource on choosing and growing vegetables from seed, visit our Ultimate Vegetable Seeds Guide.

Looking for bulk seed options? Visit our sister site Bulk Site All Packs for wholesale quantities on all your favorite varieties.

Want more gardening tips and tutorials? Subscribe to us on YouTube for weekly videos on seed starting, garden planning, and growing guides.

Frequently Asked Questions: Planting in Zone 8 Western Washington in July

What vegetables can I plant in July in Zone 8 Western Washington?

In July, Zone 8 Western Washington gardeners can direct sow radishes, lettuce, spinach (late July), kale, chard, beets, carrots, bush beans (by July 15), peas (late July), turnips, rutabagas, and kohlrabi. You can also transplant brassica starts like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, leeks, and celery. July is your key window for establishing fall crops before the October rains return.

Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Zone 8 Western Washington in July?

It is too late to start tomatoes from seed in July in Zone 8 Western Washington. However, you can still transplant established tomato starts purchased from a nursery in early July — they will have enough time to ripen fruit before the first fall frost in mid-October, especially if you choose early-maturing varieties (under 70 days).

What flowers can I still plant in July in Zone 8?

In early July you can still direct sow marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers (fast-maturing varieties), and nasturtiums. Mid-to-late July is ideal for calendula, which actually prefers the cooler temperatures of late summer and fall. Start pansies and violas indoors in late July for fall transplants. Our African Marigold Antigua Gold, Zinnia Peppermint, and Miss Sunshine Dwarf Sunflower are all excellent July choices.

When is the first frost in Zone 8 Western Washington?

The average first frost in Zone 8 Western Washington (Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia area) falls between mid-October and early November, typically around October 15–November 1. This gives you a solid growing window through fall for crops planted in July. Cold-hardy crops like kale, chard, leeks, and spinach will continue producing well past the first light frosts.

What is the fastest growing vegetable to plant in July in Zone 8?

Radishes are by far the fastest growing vegetable to plant in July in Zone 8 Western Washington. Our Champion Radish Seeds are ready to harvest in just 28 days, and French Breakfast Radishes mature in 25–30 days. Sow a new row every 1–2 weeks for a continuous harvest all the way through September.

Can I grow carrots in July in Western Washington?

Yes — July is actually an excellent time to sow carrots in Zone 8 Western Washington. The warm soil speeds germination, and the cooling fall temperatures sweeten the roots naturally. Sow by mid-July for an October–November harvest. Our Cosmic Purple Carrot Seeds and Parisian Carrot Seeds are both excellent choices for Pacific Northwest soils.

Should I water my garden every day in July in Western Washington?

Not necessarily every day, but consistent deep watering is essential. July is the driest month in Western Washington, and most vegetables need 1–1.5 inches of water per week. Water deeply 2–3 times per week at the base of plants rather than daily shallow watering — this encourages deeper root growth and reduces disease. Mulching with 2–3 inches of straw dramatically reduces how often you need to water.

What herbs can I plant in July in Zone 8 Western Washington?

In early July you can still direct sow or transplant basil (your last window before the season ends), dill, cilantro, parsley, and chives. Late July is ideal for cilantro as the shortening days reduce bolting. Dill sown in July will be perfectly timed for pickling season in August and September. For a complete herb growing guide, visit our Herb Seeds Growing Guide.