July might feel like the point where the vegetable growing season is drawing to a close, but there’s plenty that you can sow if you want to keep your kitchen garden productive well into autumn.
The focus at this time of year might feel like it is on the groaning trugs of delicious summer harvests, or even the planning ahead for those cold-weather crops to see you and your garden through the winter, but there’s still time to make sowings now to enjoy vegetable harvests later in the year.
Empty spaces left behind by harvested crops can be replanted, and many fast-growing veg will produce a worthwhile harvest during autumn. The key to successful summer sowing is choosing crops that mature quickly and making sure young plants receive enough water during warm weather. Here are seven of our favourite crops for autumn pickings.
1. Beetroot
One of the most reliable vegetables for July sowing. Seeds germinate quickly in warm soil, and many varieties can reach harvest size within eight to twelve weeks. Sow seeds directly into prepared soil in shallow drills about 2.5cm deep.
Thin seedlings as they grow, leaving enough space for roots to develop properly. Consistent moisture is important, as dry conditions can lead to woody roots. One advantage of sowing beetroot in July is that the roots often develop during cooler autumn weather, which can improve flavour and tenderness.
Both the roots and young leaves are edible, making beetroot a particularly versatile crop. Harvest can begin when beetroot is roughly golf-ball size, although they can be left to grow larger if preferred.
Allotmenteer and garden writer James Martin says, ‘If I had to choose one crop to sow in July, it would be beetroot. The warm soil means seeds germinate quickly, and by sowing little and often you’ll have a steady harvest right through autumn instead of everything maturing at once. It’s one of the easiest vegetables to grow, even for beginners, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. We love it roasted, but I think it’s even better pickled!’
Where to buy beetroot:
- Thompson & Morgan: ‘Boltardy’ is one of the most popular and well-known of the beetroot varieties, thanks to its sweet flavour and resistance to bolting.
- Marshalls Garden: ‘Burpees Golden’ is a gorgeous, eye-catching golden type, perfect for those looking to minimise the purple bleed when prepping beetroot in the kitchen.
2. Carrots
Fast-maturing carrot varieties are well suited to July sowing and can provide a harvest from early autumn onwards. The warm soil of midsummer encourages rapid germination, although keeping the seedbed moist is essential.
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 – like this one from B&Q – may still be useful in areas where the pest is common. Keeping the growing area free from weeds will also help seedlings establish successfully.
Young autumn carrots are particularly sweet and crisp. They can be harvested as baby vegetables or left a little longer for larger roots. Their fresh flavour makes them ideal for soups, roasting and seasonal stews as temperatures begin to cool.
Where to buy carrots:
- Marshalls Garden: ‘Nantes 2’ produces smooth, uniform roots with a sweet flavour. They are quick-maturing, too.
- Suttons: ‘Early Nantes 5’ has a gorgeous flavour and is a perfect type for those looking to do successional sowing.
3. Turnips
Sometimes overlooked, turnips are among the easiest vegetables to grow. Modern varieties mature quickly, with some ready in as little as six to eight weeks from sowing.
Sow seeds directly where they are to grow, spacing rows around 30cm apart. For those who like to be exact, you can use a seed spacing ruler, which you can buy from B&Q. Once seedlings emerge, thin them to give developing roots enough room. Turnips prefer fertile, moisture-retentive soil and benefit from regular watering during dry spells.
The roots are best harvested while still small and tender. If left too long, they can become woody or develop an unpalatable flavour. Young turnip leaves can also be picked and cooked as greens.
Because they mature rapidly, turnips are an excellent choice for filling gaps left by early crops which have been picked. They make a useful addition to autumn 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’ is an attractive type which tastes great and can be used in numerous different ways.
- Thompson & Morgan: ‘Oasis’ has smooth, cream skin, and the roots have excellent disease resistance.
4. Perpetual spinach
Garden journalist and author Kim Stoddart explains why spinach is her favourite crop for summer sowing.
‘It’s lovely to keep seed sowing at this time of year for later season crops, and my favourite, if I had to choose, would be perpetual spinach. It’s such a great leaf to grow during the colder months and offers many opportunities for repeat picking in the autumn. Plus, if grown inside, over winter. It’s truly the crop that keeps on giving with its luscious cut-and-come-again leaves.’
‘I’d recommend planting some in pots so that they can be brought inside later in the year for continued harvests, saving money in the process. The attractive edible leaves also look good as a houseplant inside the home. Seriously, what’s not to love?!’
Where to buy spinach:
- B&Q: ‘Perpetual’ spinach gives generous harvests of delicious and goodness-packed leaves which are really easy to grow.
5. Pak Choi
Pak choi is a fast-growing leafy vegetable that thrives in the shortening days of late summer and early autumn. 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 into the ground or in containers. Plants prefer fertile soil and consistent moisture, particularly during establishment. Thin seedlings carefully to avoid overcrowding and encourage healthy growth.
Pak choi grows surprisingly quickly, producing harvestable leaves within a few weeks. Entire plants can be picked when mature, or individual leaves can be taken as needed.
Its mild flavour 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 smaller gardens and raised beds.
Where to buy pak choi:
- Suttons: ‘Hanakan’is easy to grow and can be grown for full-sized or baby leaves, and the stems are also delicious.
- Thompson & Morgan: ‘Tricolour Mix’ gives gardeners the best of all worlds, with three fantastic pak choi varieties.
6. Radishes
If you’re looking for quick results, radishes are hard to beat. Wide varieties can be harvested just four to six weeks after sowing, making them ideal for filling gaps in the veg patch.
July sowings often produce excellent crops, provided the soil does not dry out. Sow little and often every couple of weeks to maintain a continuous harvest. Thin seedlings, if necessary, to allow roots to swell properly.
Regular watering is important because inconsistent moisture can lead to woody roots or splitting. Fast growth generally produces the best flavour and texture.
Although traditional round red radishes remain popular, gardeners may also wish to experiment with longer or oriental varieties that are particularly suitable for later sowing. These can provide variety in both appearance and taste.
Where to buy radishes:
- Suttons: ‘Sparkler 3’ is a stunning variety with crimson and white globes and crisp and tasty flesh.
- Amazon: ‘Round Mixed’ is a great choice if you can’t settle on a variety, as it gives you a lovely selection of types.
7. Spring onions
Despite their name, spring onions are not only for spring. July sowings can provide a useful harvest during autumn and even extend into winter in some areas.
Sow seeds thinly in rows or containers, choosing a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil. Germination is usually quick in warm summer conditions, and plants require relatively little maintenance beyond watering and weeding.
Spring onions are particularly useful because they occupy very little space. They can be fitted into small gaps between slower-growing crops or grown in dedicated rows. Their compact habit makes them suitable for raised beds, containers and traditional vegetable plots alike.
Harvesting can begin once stems reach a usable size. Young plants have a mild flavour that works well in salads, sandwiches, stir-fries and garnishes. Because they can be harvested over an extended period, they provide flexibility in the kitchen and help maximise the productivity of the garden.
Where to buy spring onions:
- Thompson & Morgan: ‘Totem’ offers uniform, white stems which don’t bulb and have a lovely, strong flavour.
- Dobies: ‘Ishikura’ gives you long, white stems which make a wonderful addition to salads, stir fries and the like.
By preparing the soil well, watering consistently and choosing suitable varieties, gardeners can continue harvesting home-grown vegetables well into autumn.
A little effort in July can reward you with weeks of fresh, seasonal produce and ensure that your vegetable patch remains productive for much longer – a real treat!
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