As the summer months get going, many people wonder what they can sow.
What will be ready in time from a summer sowing? Will they even germinate in the heat?
With that in mind, here is my list of veg seeds that are perfect for sowing in July.
Cabbage
July is the perfect time to start sowing spring cabbage for overwintering.
Spring cabbage can give some of the earliest harvests of the year when precious little else grows.
Recommended variety Durham Early
Pak Choi
Pak choi can be succession grown throughout most of the year.
I prefer to direct sow it where it is to grow; this is because I seem to experience a lot of bolting if I do try and transplant it.
Recommended variety: Pak Choi White
Chinese Cabbage
Another versatile plant that can be sown from spring all the way through autumn.
Recommended variety: Wong Bok
Lettuce
Lettuce can be sown every few weeks for a consistent harvest.
Recommended varieties: Salad Bowl Green Salad Bowl Red
Florence Fennel
Florence fennel grows a large bulb at the base of the plant, which is primarily grown for – but the leaves can be used too.
July is one of the best months to sow Florence fennel.
Recommended variety: Florence Fennel
Peas
You can still sow peas to sneak in an extra harvest.
A quick growing mangetout is a great idea.
Recommended variety: Oregon Sugar Pod
French Beans
French beans can also be snuck in for a tasty autumn harvest.
I recommend going for a dwarf variety if sowing now, as they are quicker to crop.
Recommended variety: Dawrf Bean Slenderette
Kale
Kale can be grown for much of the year and is very hardy; April to September is generally the time to sow it outdoors.
Recommended variety: Black Tuscan
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a quick-growing crop that can be ready to harvest in under two months from sowing.
This makes it a great candidate for summer sowing.
recommended variety: Rainbow Mix
Beetroot
Beetroot is suitable for sowing in July but can bolt in really hot summers.
I prefer to grow golden beetroot over the traditional red as it has a much less earthy and sweeter flavour.
Recommended variety: Burpees Golden
Carrots
Carrots can be sown in July, but I recommend a quicker developing variety as it is quite late to sow them.
Recommended variety: Paris Market
Turnips
Turnips can be sown in July for a late autumn/early winter harvest.
Recommended variety: Snowball
Spring Onions
Spring onions are something you should be succession sowing every few weeks.
They are easy to grow and work in almost any dish!
Recommended variety: White Lisbon
Swede
July is probably the last month you will be able to get some Swedes sown, so if you have a gap, get some growing!
Recommended Variety: Best Of All