While many gardeners think the planting season is winding down by July, there's still plenty of time to get a productive late summer and fall harvest going in Connecticut's zone 6b. With your first frost typically arriving in mid to late October, you have roughly 15-16 weeks of growing season ahead. 

Quick-Growing Greens (Ready in 30-45 days)

Lettuce - Choose heat-tolerant varieties like 'Jericho', 'Nevada', or 'Red Sails'. These summer varieties handle the heat better than spring types and will give you fresh salads through September.

Spinach - Try 'Space' or 'Tyee' varieties that are bred for summer sowing. Plant in partial shade during the hottest part of summer for best results.

Arugula - This peppery green actually prefers cooler weather, making it perfect for a July start. It'll be ready to harvest in just 3-4 weeks.

Asian Greens - Bok choy, mizuna, and tatsoi are excellent choices. They mature quickly and become sweeter after light frosts.

Radishes - Summer varieties like 'White Icicle' or 'French Breakfast' will be ready in 25-30 days. Perfect for succession planting every two weeks. 

Root Vegetables for Fall Harvest

Carrots - Choose shorter varieties like 'Paris Market' or 'Thumbelina' that will have time to develop. Carrots actually taste sweeter after experiencing light frosts.

Turnips and Rutabagas - These cool-season crops love being planted in summer for fall harvest. Try 'Purple Top White Globe' turnips or 'American Purple Top' rutabagas.

Beets - Both the roots and greens are delicious. 'Detroit Dark Red' and 'Chioggia' are reliable varieties that will be ready by October.

Daikon Radishes - These large Asian radishes need a longer growing season but planted now will give you impressive roots by fall. 

Brassicas for Cool Weather

Broccoli - Start with transplants rather than seeds to save time. Look for varieties like 'Green Magic' or 'De Cicco' that handle temperature swings well.

Cabbage - Fast-growing varieties like 'Golden Acre' or 'Early Jersey Wakefield' can still produce heads before frost.

Kale - This superfood actually improves in flavor after frost. 'Winterbor' and 'Red Russian' are excellent cold-hardy choices.

Brussels Sprouts - Though they need a long season, transplants started now will produce sprouts after the first frost when they're at their sweetest.
Beans for Late Summer Harvest

Bush Beans - Fast-maturing varieties like 'Provider' or 'Contender' will give you a harvest in 50-55 days. Perfect for a late August picking.

Pole Beans - If you have support structures ready, varieties like 'Kentucky Blue' can produce until frost.

Herbs That Love Summer Heat

Basil - Continue succession planting for fresh pesto through September. Try 'African Blue' or 'Cardinal' for something different.

Cilantro - This herb bolts quickly in heat, but July-planted seeds will give you fresh leaves through fall.

Dill - Perfect for pickles from your cucumber harvest. 'Fernleaf' is compact and slow to bolt. 

Pro Tips for July Planting Success 

Water consistently - Summer heat means daily watering for newly planted seeds and transplants
Provide afternoon shade - Use shade cloth or plant taller crops to protect tender seedlings
Mulch heavily - Keep soil cool and retain moisture with 2-3 inches of organic mulch
Choose heat-tolerant varieties - Summer plantings need cultivars bred to handle temperature stress
Start with transplants when possible - This gives you a head start on the growing season for slower crops

Remember, fall vegetables often taste better than their spring counterparts because cooler temperatures concentrate sugars and reduce bitterness. Plus, you'll have fewer pest problems as the season progresses. Don't let summer fool you into thinking the growing season is over – some of your best harvests are still ahead!