Hello fellow gardeners are you wondering what to sow in July?,
July has arrived, bringing warm, sunny days that encourage vigorous growth in our gardens. This month on the allotment, we’re focusing on “What to sow in July” a variety of crops to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the summer and into the autumn. Let’s dive into what we’re sowing this July on our UK allotment and some essential tips to keep our gardens thriving.
What to sow in July on YouTube
✅ What We’re Sowing
What to sow in July? It’s a question I’m always asked and it does depend on your area and climate, I’m in the south west of the UK so fairly mild.
Lettuce To keep our salads fresh and varied, we’re sowing more lettuce this month. Varieties like ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Lollo Rosso’ are perfect for July sowing. These lettuces will provide crisp, tasty leaves for our summer salads and sandwiches.
Carrots A late sowing of carrots ensures we have a continuous supply through to the autumn. We’re sowing ‘Early Nantes’ and ‘Chantenay Red Cored’ for their sweet flavour and reliable performance. Carrots need well-drained, stone-free soil, so we’ve prepared our beds carefully.
Salad Potatoes July is an excellent time to plant salad potatoes for a late harvest. Varieties like ‘Charlotte’ and ‘Anya’ are perfect for this purpose. These potatoes will be ready to harvest in the autumn, providing delicious, creamy tubers for our meals.
Tuff Ball Onions (from seed) We’re sowing ‘Tuff Ball’ onions, known for their firm, round bulbs and excellent storage qualities. Starting onions from seed can be a bit challenging, but with careful attention to watering and weeding, these onions will develop well and be ready for harvest in late autumn.
Green Sprouting Broccoli A nutritious and versatile crop, green sprouting broccoli is a must-have for any allotment. We’re sowing varieties like ‘Calabrese’ for a steady supply of tasty, nutrient-rich florets that will be ready to harvest in late autumn and early winter.
Turnips Quick to mature and highly versatile, turnips are a great addition to the allotment. We’re sowing ‘Purple Top Milan’ and ‘Golden Ball,’ which are perfect for roasting, mashing, or adding to stews and soups.
Kale Hardy and nutritious, kale is an excellent crop for the cooler months. We’re sowing ‘Cavolo Nero’ and ‘Red Russian’ varieties. These will provide a continuous supply of tender leaves that are perfect for salads, soups, and stir-fries.
Bright Lights Chard This vibrant and colourful crop is not only beautiful but also highly productive. ‘Bright Lights’ chard will add a splash of colour to our allotment and our plates. It’s perfect for salads, sautés, and as a spinach substitute.
✅ Allotment Tips for July
Watering Consistent watering is crucial in July’s heat. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation and ensure deep soil penetration. Focus on the roots, not the leaves, to prevent diseases.
Weeding Regular weeding will help your crops thrive by reducing competition for nutrients and water. Keep an eye on those weeds and remove them promptly to keep your plants healthy and happy.
Feeding Feed your crops regularly with a balanced fertilizer to support their growth and development. Use a high-nitrogen feed for leafy greens like kale and chard to encourage lush foliage.
Pest Control Watch out for pests like aphids, cabbage white caterpillars, and slugs. Use organic methods such as neem oil, natural predators, and barriers to protect your plants. Companion planting can also be effective; for example, marigolds can deter whiteflies from tomatoes.
What you can direct sow in July?
What to sow in July DIRECT INTO THE GROUND? July is a great time to sow a variety of crops on your UK allotment, ensuring you have a continuous harvest throughout the late summer and autumn.
Salad Greens
- Lettuce: Choose fast-growing varieties like ‘Little Gem’ or ‘Salad Bowl’.
- Rocket: Perfect for adding a peppery flavor to salads.
- Spinach: Opt for varieties that are less prone to bolting, such as ‘Perpetual Spinach’.
- Mustard Greens: These can add a spicy kick to your salads.
Root Vegetables
- Beetroot: Varieties like ‘Boltardy’ are ideal for summer sowing.
- Carrots: Choose quick-maturing varieties like ‘Nantes’ or ‘Amsterdam Forcing’.
- Radishes: Fast-growing and perfect for quick harvests. Varieties like ‘French Breakfast’ are good choices.
- Turnips: ‘Purple Top Milan’ is a reliable variety for summer sowing.
Herbs
- Coriander: Grows quickly and is great for summer salads.
- Dill: Another fast-growing herb that can be sown directly.
- Basil: Prefers warm weather and can be sown directly in July.
Brassicas
- Kale: Varieties like ‘Cavolo Nero’ can be sown in July for a winter harvest.
- Spring Cabbage: Sow varieties like ‘Durham Early’ for an early spring harvest.
- Pak Choi: Grows quickly and can be harvested as baby leaves or left to mature.
Legumes
- French Beans: Dwarf French beans can be sown directly in July for a late summer harvest.
- Peas: Sugar snap peas and mange tout can still be sown for a late harvest.
Other Vegetables
- Chard: ‘Rainbow Chard’ adds color to your allotment and is very versatile in the kitchen.
- Spring Onions: Varieties like ‘White Lisbon’ are ideal for summer sowing.
- Florence Fennel: Grows quickly and is best sown in midsummer to avoid bolting.
Tips for Successful Sowing in July
- Watering: Ensure your seedlings get enough water, especially during hot, dry spells.
- Mulching: Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings as they grow to give each plant enough space to develop.
- Shade: Provide some shade for young seedlings during the hottest part of the day to prevent them from wilting.
By direct sowing these crops in July, you can enjoy a productive and varied allotment right into the autumn.
✅ Harvest Highlights
As we continue to sow new crops, we’re also reaping the rewards of our earlier efforts. This month, we’re enjoying:
- Lettuce: Fresh, crisp leaves for our salads.
- Carrots: Sweet and crunchy, perfect for snacking and cooking.
- Potatoes: Creamy and delicious, ideal for salads and side dishes.
- Strawberries: Juicy and sweet, perfect for desserts and snacks.
- Radishes: Spicy and crisp, great for salads.
July is a fantastic month on the allotment. The long days and warm weather make for enjoyable gardening, and there’s always something new to sow or harvest. Keep nurturing your plants, enjoy the sunshine, and relish the fruits of your labour. I hope you have enjoyed my what to sow in July guide. Happy gardening!
What Next?
👇🏼 Let me Guide you through the season “NEWSLETTER” ✅ Always know what to sow and when, your full guide to the growing season. (Monthly Newsletter) Simple easy to follow (No Fluff, Spam or filler) just good advice. https://veggiepatchideas.substack.com/
✅ Helpful links
Take a look at my Amazon store front for guides and product reviews of the things that you need. including what to sow in July seed list.
RHS: facts about grow your own Click here
Just starting your veggie patch? Start here with our beginners guide
Problems on the allotment? Remove Couch Grass or Remove Bindweed
Looking for an allotment in the UK? Try searching here first GOV.UK
The national allotment society Click Here
Other sites we love Gardeners world
