So you missed spring planting. And then you missed early summer planting. And now it’s July in Oklahoma—where the grass is suspiciously soft, the trees are shockingly green, and you’ve convinced yourself that you still have time because, well, it’s only 85 degrees… for now.
Welcome back to The Procrastinator’s Guide to Gardening, where our motto is: “There’s no time like next week.” But here’s the thing— thanks to one of the wettest, mildest Junes Oklahoma’s seen in years, everything’s been growing like it’s on performance enhancers. That means your window to join the garden party hasn’t closed. It’s just cracking its knuckles and asking why you’re late.
STILL WORTH PLANTING (EVEN NOW) Some plants love this heat. Others tolerate it. And a few just don’t know when to quit— kind of like your cousin after three Dr Peppers at the reunion.
1. Beans (Bush and Pole)
Still eager to grow and fast to produce. Get them in the ground and you’ll be bragging about your harvest by football season. Bonus: they don’t require much fuss, which is ideal for anyone who’s already forgotten to water twice this week.
2. Okra
Oklahoma’s favorite heatproof overachiever. But be warned: if you let those tender little finger missiles stay on the plant too long, they’ll morph into what can only be described as okra clubs. At that point, your only options are firewood or self-defense. Harvest early, harvest often, and keep the chainsaw in the shed.
3. Squash (Zucchini or Yellow)
Zucchini is the gardener’s apology gift. One plant and you’ll be leaving anonymous bundles on neighbors’ porches before school starts. Great grilled, sautéed, or spiraled into “zoodles” you’ll never eat again after the second try.
4. Southern Peas (Blackeyed, Purple Hull, Crowder)
Born to thrive in Oklahoma heat. These peas practically sprout just from hearing the words “triple digits.” Tough, tasty, and a Southern staple.
5. Cucumbers
They’re the drama queens of the garden: temperamental but worth it if you keep them cool and hydrated. Mulch, shade, and regular watering will keep the vines happy. Ignore them, and they’ll get bitter—just like that ex who didn’t like your gardening hat.
6. Pumpkins
Early July planting = pumpkins by Halloween. It’s the only time you can procrastinate and still look prepared come fall. Plus, they make great conversation starters. (“You grew this?” “No, the weather did. I just got lucky.”)
HERBS FOR THE LAST-MINUTE GROWER You can still plant heat-hardened herbs like:
• Basil – practically jumps out of the soil.
• Rosemary – hardy and fragrant.
• Oregano & Thyme – foolproof ways to pretend you’re a chef.
They don’t take up much space, and you’ll feel fancier just having them around.
GREENS: FOR THE PLANNER INSIDE THE PROCRASTINATOR You can start things like collards, turnips, and Swiss chard in late July for a fall harvest. Just don’t get cocky—they’ll need shade, care, and maybe a pep talk. Treat them like houseguests that need convincing to stay.
FLOWERS THAT STILL WANT TO BLOOM
Yes, you can still have color in your life:
• Zinnias – Practically unstoppable.
• Sunflowers – Even your kids can grow them.
• Marigolds – Pest-fighting and pretty. They’re the multitaskers of the flower bed.
PRO TIPS FOR GARDENING IN THE OVEN It’s been wet and lovely, but July always turns the thermostat up until it sticks.
When should you water?
There’s an old myth that watering at night causes disease and rot. That’s not entirely wrong—but it’s not entirely right either. The safest, smartest time to water in high heat is:
• Early morning, before 9 a.m., when temps are cool and plants can soak it in without frying.
• Late evening is a backup plan—just don’t soak the leaves. Water the base, avoid splash-back, and call it good.
Deep soak over spritzing
Standing there misting the surface doesn’t count. You want a soak that actually reaches the roots and doesn’t evaporate faster than your motivation.
Mulch matters
Mulch holds moisture, cools roots, and blocks weeds. It’s sunscreen for your soil.
FINAL THOUGHTS FROM THE PORCH Maybe you’ve been watching storms roll in thinking you’ve got all the time in the world. Maybe you’re just waiting for inspiration. But you’ve still got time. Not much—but enough.
Put something in the ground. Water it. Give it a name if you must. Even if it doesn’t survive, at least you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you gave it the ol’ Oklahoma try.
Because gardening—like life—isn’t about being early. It’s about showing up eventually… preferably with a garden hose and a sunhat that makes your kids shake their heads.
