What Can You Grow in Salem This July?

It’s officially summer and not too late to keep your garden growing in Salem, Massachusetts. Whether you have raised beds, containers, or just a few sunny spots outside, here are some herbs, vegetables, and pollinator-friendly flowers you can still plant this July in Zone 6b.

Easy Herbs

Basil

This summer-loving annual herb is easy to grow and delicious to use fresh in meals all season long.

Best started from: Seed or seedling

Good for containers: Yes

Mint

Fast-growing and beginner friendly. Mint spreads quickly, so growing it in containers helps keep it under control. Enjoy it fresh, dried, or added to drinks and recipes.

Best started from: Seedling

Good for containers: Yes

Parsley

Not only does parsley grow well in containers, it can also tolerate partial sun.

Best started from: Seed or seedling

Good for containers: Yes

Vegetables You Can Still Start

Bush Beans

Bush beans grow quickly from seed and do well in raised beds or containers.

Best started from: Seed

Good for containers: Yes

Lettuce

Quick-growing and great for succession planting through summer.

Best started from: Seed

Good for containers: Yes

Kale

Hardy and productive through late summer and into fall.

Best started from: Seed or seedling

Good for containers: Yes

Flowers for Pollinators

Zinnias

Easy to grow from seed and loved by pollinators all summer long. 

Here’s a gardening hack to try: cut the stalk in half before flowering and place the top in water until the top roots and plant. Some gardeners say this encourages the original plant to produce even more blooms in addition to planting an extra plant. If you try it, let us know in the comments if it works for you!

Best started from: Seed

Good for containers: Yes

Bee Balm

A native favorite for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This perennial can grow quite large and become a pollinator haven for many seasons.

Best started from: Seedling

Good for containers: Large containers

Milkweed

An important native plant that supports monarch butterflies. Check out Salem Native Nursery for starter plants.

Best started from: Seedling

Good for containers: Sometimes

Sunflowers

Bright summer flowers that attract pollinators and birds.

Best started from: Seed

Good for containers: Large containers

Quick Tips for Summer Gardening

• Most vegetables and flowers need at least 6 hours of sun

• Containers should always have drainage holes

• Water deeply during hot weather

• Mixing flowers with vegetables helps attract pollinators

• Start small and add more over time
  

These plants can also grow directly in the ground or in your own community garden plot!

Upcoming Community Events

Salem Native Nursery Plant Sale

Splaine Park | Salem Community Gardens Sunday, July 510 AM to 1 PM

Find native plants that support pollinators and thrive in our local environment.

Salem Community Gardens at the Salem Farmers’ Market

Thursday, July 233 PM to 7 PM

Stop by to learn more about community gardening, pollinator-friendly growing, and seasonal gardening tips in Salem.