July seems like the point where vegetables The growing season is coming to a close, but if you want to keep your kitchen garden productive well into the fall, you can sow.
At this time of year the focus seems to be on boring trugs of deliciousness Summer harvestOr planning ahead for that Cold weather crops Sow to see you and your garden through the winter, but there’s still time now to enjoy a vegetable harvest later in the year.
Vacancies left behind by harvested crops can be replanted, and many fast-growing vegetables will produce decent crops through the fall. The key to successful summer sowing is to choose crops that mature quickly and ensure young plants Get enough water During hot weather. Here are seven of our favorite crops for fall pickings.
1. Beetroot
(Image credit: Getty Images/Martin Harvey)
One of the most reliable vegetables for July sowing. Seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, and many varieties can reach harvest size in eight to twelve weeks. Sow the seeds directly into the prepared soil in shallow drills about 2.5 cm deep.
Thinning leaves enough room for roots to develop properly as they grow. Consistent moisture is important, as dry conditions can lead to wood roots. One advantage of planting beetroot in July is that the roots often develop during the cooler fall weather, which can improve flavor and tenderness.
Both roots and young leaves are edible, making beetroot a particularly versatile crop. When the harvest can begin Beetroot About the size of a golf-ball, although it can be left to grow larger if preferred.
Allocator and garden writer James Martin Says, ‘If I had to pick one crop to plant in July it would be beetroot. Warmer soil means seeds germinate faster, and by sowing few and often you’ll have a steady harvest throughout the fall, rather than all ripening at once. It’s one of the easiest vegetables to grow, even for beginners, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. We like it roasted, but I think it’s better pickled!’
Where to buy beetroot:
- Thompson and Morgan: ‘Botardi’ It is one of the most popular and well-known varieties of beetroot, thanks to its sweet taste and resistance to bolting.
- Marshalls Garden: ‘Burpee’s Golden’ There is a gorgeous, attractive golden variety, perfect for those who want to reduce purple bleeding when preparing beetroot in the kitchen.
James Martin
James Martin is the creator behind A Life in the Garden. From her Derbyshire home and allotment, she shares honest, practical advice to help people grow their own food, transform outdoor spaces and create beautiful, wildlife-friendly gardens. A regular Grow your own A magazine columnist and BBC Creator Lab contributor, James believes gardening should be accessible to everyone. Follow up @alifeinthegarden on InstagramTikTok, Facebook and YouTube for daily gardening inspiration, practical tutorials and behind-the-scenes adventures.
2. Carrots
(Image credit: Getty)
Fast-maturing carrot Varieties are well suited for July sowing and can be harvested from early autumn. Warm mid-summer soil encourages rapid germination, although it is important to keep the seed bed moist.
Choose a sunny position and remove stones from the soil. Sow thinly in shallow drills. Many gardeners find that later sowings suffer less from carrot root fly than spring crops, although protective barriers – such as This is from B&Q – may still be useful in areas where the pest is common. Keep the growing area free from weed It will also help the seedlings to establish successfully.
Young autumn carrots are especially sweet and crisp. They can be harvested as baby vegetables or left a little longer for larger roots. Their fresh flavor makes them ideal for soups, roasts and seasonal stews as the temperatures begin to cool.
Where to buy carrots:
- Marshalls Garden: ‘Nantes 2’ Produces smooth, uniform roots with a sweet flavor. They also mature quickly.
- Sutton: ‘Early Nantes 5’ It has a wonderful flavor and is a perfect variety for those looking to sow succession.
3. Turnip
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Sometimes overlooked, turnips are one of the easiest vegetables to grow. Modern varieties ripen quickly, with some being ready within six to eight weeks of sowing.
Sow seeds directly where they are to grow, keeping 30 cm between rows. For those who like to be specific, you can use it Seed distance rulerWhich you can buy from B&Q. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them out to give the developing roots enough room. Turnips prefer fertile, moisture-retaining soil and benefit from regular watering during dry periods.
Best harvested when the roots are still young and tender. If left too long, they can become woody or develop an unpleasant taste. Young turnip leaves can also be picked and cooked as greens.
Because they mature quickly, turnips are an excellent choice for filling gaps left by early crops. They make a useful addition to fall meals and can be roasted, mashed or added to soups and casseroles, making them a versatile choice.
Where to buy turnips:
- Dobies: ‘Purple Top Milan’ An attractive variety that tastes great and can be used in many different ways.
- Thompson and Morgan: ‘Oasis’ Has a smooth, cream skin, and the roots have excellent disease resistance.
4. The Eternal Guardian
(Image credit: Getty)
Garden journalist and author Kim Stoddart explains why parent It is a favorite crop for summer sowing.
‘It’s lovely to sow seeds at this time of year for the previous season’s crops, and if I had to choose, my favorite would be spinach. It is a great leaf to grow in the cooler months and offers many opportunities for repeat picking in the fall. Also, if grown indoors, winter. It is truly a crop that keeps on giving with its juicy cut-and-come-again leaves.’
‘I would recommend planting some in pots so that they can be brought in later in the year for continuous harvesting, saving money in the process. The attractive edible leaves also look good indoors as houseplants. Seriously, what’s not to love?!’
Where to buy spinach:
- B&Q: The ‘eternal’ parent Gives a generous harvest of tasty and goodness-filled leaves that are really easy to grow.
5. Pak Choi
(Image credit: Future plc/Heather Young)
Pak Choi It is a fast-growing leafy vegetable that blooms in the short days of late summer and early fall. In fact, many gardeners find July and August sowings more successful than their spring counterparts because plants are less likely to bolt.
Seeds can be sown directly in the soil or in containers. The plant prefers fertile soil and constant moisture, especially during establishment. Thin seedlings carefully to avoid crowding and promote healthy growth.
Pak choi grows surprisingly quickly, producing harvestable leaves in a few weeks. Whole plants can be picked when mature or individual leaves can be taken as needed.
Its mild flavor and crisp texture make it popular in stir-fries, salads and soups. As a bonus, it takes up relatively little space, making it a useful option for small gardens and raised beds.
Where to buy Pak Choi:
- Sutton: ‘Hanakan’Easy to grow and can be grown for full size or baby leaves, and the stems are delicious too.
- Thompson and Morgan: ‘Tricolor Mix’ With three amazing pak choi varieties, giving gardeners the best of all worlds.
6. Radishes
(Image credit: Getty)
If you’re looking for fast results, radishes are hard to beat. Giant varieties can be harvested four to six weeks after sowing, making them ideal for filling gaps in veg patches.
July sowings often give excellent crops, provided the soil does not dry out. Sow little and often every two weeks to maintain a consistent harvest. Thin seedlings, if necessary, to allow the roots to develop properly.
Regular watering is important because inconsistent moisture can lead to root rot or splitting of wood. Faster growth usually produces better flavor and texture.
Although traditional round red radishes remain popular, gardeners may also want to experiment with long or oriental varieties that are particularly suitable for later planting. This can provide variety in both appearance and taste.
Where to buy Radishes:
- Sutton: ‘Sparkler 3’ A stunning variety with crimson and white globes and crisp and tasty flesh.
- Amazon: ’round mixed’ A great choice if you can’t settle on a variety, as it gives you a nice selection of types.
7. Spring onions
(Image credit: Getty Images/Yulia Kokosha)
Despite their name, spring onions aren’t just for spring. July sowing can provide a useful harvest through autumn and in some areas extends into winter.
Sow the seeds thinly in rows or containers, choosing a sunny site with fertile, well-drained soil. Germination is usually rapid in warm summer conditions, and the plant requires relatively little maintenance give water And weed.
Spring onions are especially useful because they take up very little space. They can be fitted into small gaps between slow-growing crops or grown in dedicated rows. Their compact habit makes them suitable for raised beds, containers and traditional vegetable plots alike.
Pruning can begin when the stems reach a usable size. Young plants have a mild flavor that works well in salads, sandwiches, stir-fries and garnishes. Because they can be harvested over long periods of time, they provide flexibility in the kitchen and help increase garden productivity.
Where to Buy Spring Onions:
- Thompson and Morgan: ‘totem’ Yields uniform, white stalks that do not bulb and a fine, strong flavor.
- Dobies: ‘Ishikura’ Gives you long, white stalks that make a wonderful addition to salads, stir-fries and the like.
By preparing the soil well, watering consistently, and choosing the right varieties, gardeners can continue to have a good harvest of home-grown vegetables well into the fall.
A little effort in July can reward you with weeks of fresh, seasonal produce and ensure your vegetable patch stays productive for longer – a real treat!
If you enjoyed reading this, sign up for Ideal Home Newsletter All the latest home decor trends and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox
