What Can I Grow in a 2′ x 3′ Raised Bed for Late July Planting in Pittsburgh?
Even though it’s late July in Pittsburgh, there’s still plenty of time for a productive garden—especially with a compact 2′ x 3′ raised planter. The key to success for late July planting in Pittsburgh is knowing what to plant in a small raised bed that matures quickly, thrives in shallow soil, and can handle the approaching fall weather.
If you’re looking for ideas for late July planting in Pittsburgh, here are some productive, shallow-rooted crops to make the most of your small space.
Best Vegetables for a 2′ x 3′ Raised Bed in Late July
Leafy Greens – Perfect for Small Raised Beds
- Loose-leaf Lettuce: Shallow-rooted and fast-growing, ideal for “cut-and-come-again” harvests. Try heat-tolerant types like Buttercrunch or Simpson Elite.
- Spinach: May bolt in extreme heat, but in Pittsburgh’s late summer, you can often get a solid harvest before that happens.
- Arugula: Excellent for small raised beds and ready to harvest quickly as baby greens.
- Mustard Greens: Hardy and great for quick harvests from shallow soil.
- Swiss Chard: Tolerant of variable conditions and one of the best greens for extended harvests.
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Root Crops for Shallow Beds
- Radishes: Extremely fast to mature (22–30 days) and a great option for succession planting throughout the rest of summer.
- Short or Round Carrots: Traditional carrots need deeper soil, but varieties like Parisian and Thumbelina thrive in shallow beds.
- Beets: Grow well in small raised beds and offer both tasty greens and flavorful roots. Choose 60-day or faster types.
- Kohlrabi: A fun, fast-growing crop with edible bulbs and greens—great for limited spaces.
Herbs – Compact and Productive
- Basil: Grows quickly and thrives in the warmth of late summer.
- Dill: Can still be direct-sown in July and matures fast.
- Cilantro: May bolt in heat, but a shady corner of your bed might give you a good harvest.
- Chives: Perennial and perfect for shallow soil.
- Parsley: A hardy biennial that tolerates cooler temperatures.
- Summer Savory: A lesser-known herb that loves full sun and well-drained soil.
Bush Beans – Late July Favorite
Bush beans are one of the best options for late July planting in Pittsburgh. They grow quickly, don’t require staking (great for a small raised bed), and can be sown every two weeks through late summer for continual harvests. Look for varieties with short “days to maturity.”
Tips for Success in a Small Raised Bed
- Soil Depth: Ideally 6–12 inches for shallow-rooted crops. While 12–18 inches is best, many plants listed above will still thrive with attentive care.
- Soil Quality: Use well-draining potting mix or enrich your soil with compost.
- Watering: Shallow beds dry out quickly. Water consistently, especially during hot days—mornings are best.
- Sunlight: Choose a spot that gets 6–8 hours of full sun daily.
- Spacing: Even in a small raised bed, crowding plants too closely can hinder growth. Stick to spacing guidelines for each crop.
- Succession Planting: Re-sow fast crops like radishes, lettuce, and arugula every 1–2 weeks.
- Mulch: A thin layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Final Thoughts on Late July Planting in Pittsburgh
If you’re wondering what to plant in a small raised bed this time of year, don’t worry—late July planting in Pittsburgh still offers plenty of rewarding options. Focus on fast growers and shallow-rooted crops, and you’ll enjoy fresh harvests well into fall. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. We appreciate your patronage. 🙂 God bless!
FAQ:
What can I grow in a 2′ x 3′ raised bed for late July planting in Pittsburgh?
Late July planting in Pittsburgh offers many fast-growing, shallow-rooted crops perfect for compact beds. Try leafy greens like lettuce, arugula, spinach, mustard, and Swiss chard, or root crops like radishes, beets, kohlrabi, and short carrots.
Is it too late to start lettuce during late July planting in Pittsburgh?
No! Heat-tolerant loose-leaf lettuce varieties like Buttercrunch and Simpson Elite are excellent for late July planting in Pittsburgh. They’re quick to mature and perfect for small raised beds with limited space.
What type of carrots are best for a small raised bed in late summer?
For late July planting in Pittsburgh, choose short or round carrot varieties like Parisian or Thumbelina. They grow well in shallow soil and are ideal when deciding what to plant in a small raised bed.
Can I still plant herbs in a small raised bed in late July?
Yes—herbs are a great choice for what to plant in a small raised bed. Basil, dill, parsley, summer savory, and chives all grow well in shallow soil and thrive during late July planting in Pittsburgh.
Are bush beans a good choice for late July planting in Pittsburgh?
Definitely. Bush beans grow fast, don’t require staking, and are a top pick for what to plant in a small raised bed. Look for quick-maturing varieties to enjoy harvests before fall frost.
How deep should the soil be for a small raised bed?
For late July planting in Pittsburgh, most crops will grow in 6–12″ of soil. While 12–18″ is ideal, shallow-rooted vegetables still thrive with good care—making them perfect for small raised beds.
How often should I water a small raised bed in late summer?
Shallow beds dry out faster, so during late July planting in Pittsburgh, it’s best to water in the morning and check soil moisture regularly—especially during hot spells.
Can I plant multiple crops in a 2′ x 3′ raised bed?
Yes—just be mindful of spacing. When planning what to plant in a small raised bed, use compact, fast-maturing crops and consider succession planting to maximize harvests.
What crops are best for succession planting in late July?
Great options for late July planting in Pittsburgh include radishes, lettuce, and arugula. These quick-growing crops can be reseeded every 1–2 weeks for steady production.
Will I get a harvest before frost if I plant in late July?
Yes—many crops suitable for late July planting in Pittsburgh mature in 30–60 days. With the right planning, you can harvest beans, greens, and roots well into the fall season.
