What to Sow in July

July often feels like the peak of the growing season. Beds are full, crops are maturing, and harvesting begins in earnest. But there’s still plenty to sow, especially if you're aiming for autumn harvests or planning ahead for overwintering. This guide covers fast-growing summer crops, second sowings, and hardy veg that thrive as the days begin to shorten.

Direct Sow Outdoors

These crops will grow quickly in the warmth and are ideal for successional planting:

• Lettuce - choose bolt-resistant varieties; sow in partial shade if possible

• Chard - colourful and reliable right into autumn

• Beetroot - sow now for tender golf-ball sized roots

• Dwarf French beans - still time for one last round

• Carrots - ideal for fast-growing or short-rooted types

• Radish - great for gaps between slower crops

• Turnips - young roots and leaves are both usable

• Pak choi / Mustard greens - sow now for harvesting in 4–6 weeks

Sow Undercover or in Modules

Ideal for planting out in August or protected growing:

• Kale - hardy and reliable, lasts through winter

• Purple Sprouting Broccoli - needs planting out soon to crop in spring

• Spring cabbage - sow now for planting in August

• Winter lettuce - suitable for cold frames or greenhouse growing

• Coriander - less likely to bolt as nights begin to cool

July is your last chance for many fast-growing summer crops, but also a key moment to get autumn and overwintering veg started. Think of it as your second spring. Successional sowing of salad leaves, carrots, and radish will keep your plot productive. If you're short on space, remember that many of these crops do well in containers too.