11 top summer vegetables to grow in July — there's still time to enjoy a homegrown crop
With plenty of long, warm days to look forward to and an abundance of daylight hours, there's still time to plant a kitchen garden in July to enjoy the long-lasting benefits right through to the end of summer, autumn and beyond.
Here are 11 vegetables and herbs you can grow right now.
Lettuce is a classic summer crop, beloved for its crisp, refreshing leaves that brighten up any meal. Now is an ideal time to sow varieties that will provide you with a steady supply of salad leaves for lunches, dinners, outdoor grills, and everything in between.
Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, recommends growing 'Salad Bowl' and 'Little Gem', which are varieties suited to summer sowing. 'They grow quickly and tolerate the warmer weather better than some other types,' he says.
Top tip
One key tip for growing lettuce now is to provide partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Palapramand says this prevents bolting, which causes the plants to become bitter.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
You can also enjoy a continuous harvest by sowing lettuce every two weeks, and look forward to keeping your salad bowl full well into autumn.
These greens are fast growers, often ready to harvest in just 30 to 45 days
For gardeners looking to sow something other than the common lettuce, Palphramand recommends pak choi and arugula, which thrive in the warmth of summer and can be enjoyed during late summer and autumn.
'These greens are fast growers, often ready to harvest in just 30 to 45 days,' says Palphramand. 'They are excellent for stir-fries, salads, and soups, offering a peppery, fresh flavour that complements many dishes,' he adds.
I'm a particular fan of arugula for its peppery taste and eat it as a green salad, while I also add it into my go-to summer salmon quiche.
Turnips are a real multitasker, offering both edible roots and leafy greens, with nothing going to waste.
Palphramand says, 'When sown now, turnips mature as the weather cools, which tends to improve their flavour, making them sweeter and less bitter.'
They typically take between 6 and 10 weeks to reach harvest size, so if you sow them in early July, you can expect fresh turnips on your plate by early autumn.
What's more Palphramand adds that turnips grow well in most soils and require minimal care, making them an ideal crop for both experienced and novice gardeners.
This Felco bypass pruner is perfect for medium-sized hands and comes with a comfortable ergonomic handle. It has a sturdy design, yet is lightweight and gives a consistent performance. What's more, this pruner is given a 5-star rating in our best pruning shears buying guide.
If space is limited and you don't have a large backyard to grow vegetables, you can still grow your own if you have a small patio garden or balcony.
Dwarf French beans make an excellent choice and can be sown directly into the ground or planted in containers and placed on a sunny balcony, making them ideal for compact spaces.
Palphramand says you can expect Dwarf French beans to produce a steady harvest from late summer into early autumn, and that they are perfect for eating fresh, steaming, or adding to casseroles and salads.
Top tip
I enjoy Dwarf French beans slightly steamed and cooked in garlic with some freshly grated lemon rind.
You'll have to get your skates on if you want to grow carrots, but you've still got a chance to plant late-season crops, such as 'Nantes' or 'Amsterdam Forcing'.
However, Palphramand says there is an advantage of growing carrots at this time, 'Sowing carrots later in the year often helps avoid the main carrot fly season, reducing the risk of damage to your crop.'
What's more, he adds, 'These varieties tend to produce sweet, tender roots that are perfect for roasting, steaming, or eating raw.'
Top tip
Carrots prefer loose, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering during dry spells.
You can harvest baby beetroot leaves early for salads or wait for the roots to mature in late summer
This brightly-colored root vegetable is another crop that thrives when sown in the summer months. Apart from enjoying your beetroot harvest, the leaves will add vibrant color to your vegetable plot.
The seeds can be planted in the ground or in containers, with multi-colored varieties to choose from, creating an array of colors.
'Beetroot grows well in a range of soils and is relatively low maintenance, making it ideal for those new to gardening,' says Palphramand, and adds, 'You can harvest baby beetroot leaves early for salads or wait for the roots to mature in late summer. Their natural sweetness intensifies as the weather cools, making them a delicious autumn vegetable.'
Perpetual spinach (a type of Swiss chard) and Swiss chard are resilient, easy-to-grow greens that can be sown in July for a steady supply of leaves into autumn and even winter.
Palphramand says, 'These crops tolerate cooler temperatures and can be harvested as baby leaves or mature plants. Both are packed with nutrients and versatile in the kitchen, suitable for salads, sautés, and soups.'
Top tip
I'm a big fan of baby spinach and enjoy it in salads, mixed and tossed with roasted pine nuts. You can also partly substitute it with basil for a delicious pesto.
Radishes are the ideal crop to grow for impatient gardeners. Palphramand says, 'Radishes are one of the quickest crops to grow over summer, with some varieties ready to harvest in as little as three weeks.'
And because they give fast results, he adds, 'This makes them a perfect crop for children and new gardeners who want quick and satisfying results.'
Radishes grow well in containers or garden beds and can be harvested continuously with successive sowings.
You can start to plant vegetables in July for a winter harvest. Palphramand suggests sowing kale and cabbage, choosing varieties like 'Fizz' and 'Nero di Toscana' kale, and cabbages such as 'Sweetie' and spring cabbage.
If the plants can get established now, they will be ready to be enjoyed during the colder months, when you're looking to eat steamed vegetables rather than salads.
These peas provide sweet, crunchy pods that are delicious fresh or cooked
It's not too late to sow peas in July for a late-season crop, but don't dally. Palphramand says that mangetout and sugar snap peas are particularly reliable varieties for planting now.
'These peas provide sweet, crunchy pods that are delicious fresh or cooked,' he says, adding, 'Sowing peas now allows you to enjoy their fresh taste well into autumn before the colder weather sets in.'
Top tip
If you don't eat the peas freshly picked, they can be frozen and cooked in a hearty pea and ham soup later in the year.
There are plenty of herbs that will thrive if sown right now. Basil, coriander, dill, and parsley can all be sown in pots or directly into the ground. There's nothing better than cutting freshly grown herbs and adding them to your dishes for extra flavor and aroma.
Palphramand recommends regularly harvesting your herbs to encourage bushier growth, and I can vouch for that!
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August is a time of abundance in the garden, but many plants will be reaching the tail end of their flowering season this month. After bursting into bloom during the spring or early summer, these perennials will now likely be looking a little tired and straggly. While it's fine to leave them be and let them fall into dormancy, gardeners may want to prompt another wave of blooms so that the garden stays vibrant for a few weeks longer. The solution? Cutting them back and encouraging new growth. Here are 9 plants that will benefit from a summer makeover and reward you with more flowers: Pruning usually takes place in the fall or winter, when plants are dormant. This ensures there is enough time for the plant to recover from the cuts before spring growth. Some plants also prefer to grow on old wood, making it even more critical to time pruning correctly so that you don't accidentally ruin next year's flowering or fruiting season. That said, pruning is a valuable tool that helps plants direct their energy into growing healthy new foliage, stems, and flowers, rather than wasting it on parts that are older, damaged, or dying. It is also used to help restore the plant to its desired shape and size, if it has become somewhat overgrown. The Felco 6 Bypass Pruner came out on top in our best pruning shear buying guide. We tested over a dozen pruners and found that the Felco has a sturdy design, yet is lightweight and gives a consistent performance Since cutting plants back helps to revitalize a plant and spur new growth, it can be used with some plants to encourage a second round of blooms later in the summer. Pruning tells the plant that the flowering season isn't quite finished and gives them renewed instruction to grow some more. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Often, this later wave of blooms will be smaller in volume and scale than earlier flowers, since the plant is tired, but it can still be a very attractive and enjoyable addition to the garden. Just be careful not to overdo it as you want the plant to bounce back quickly. This pretty plant is characterized by tall stems that are each capped by a large cloud of flowers, made up of many tiny blooms clustered together. Yarrow is usually warm-toned and most commonly found in shades of yellow and white, adding some cheerful color to any garden. As the season progresses, yarrow's long, thin stalks may grow floppy and so these are the best places to target for August pruning. How to prune Cut back the stalks to their lowest set of leaves in order to prompt healthy new growth – and hopefully another crown of flowers. It is also wise to deadhead any of the stronger stalks that are supporting spent blooms; they may be healthy enough to produce a new cap of flowers without full pruning. These garden gloves are made of nylon and nitrile and come in three sizes — small, medium and large. They offer excellent non-slip properties, are comfortable around the wrist, breathable and machine washable. At Tom's Guide, we recommend them as the best overall gardening glove. Known for its thick swathes of star-shaped flowers, garden phlox is beloved by gardeners and butterflies alike. The blooms appear in large clusters atop the leafy shrub, creating softness and vibrancy through rich pinks, reds, and purples, as well as some white varieties. This is a low-maintenance perennial with strong stalks that can support an abundance of flowers, but it will still benefit from some August trimming. How to prune To prune, focus on the individual flower stems and trace them back to their budding points from the main stalk; this is where you should make your cut. The original plant should then produce new growth and new blooms, while the cuttings can be used to propagate additional plants. To propagate, remove the lower leaves and place in some fertile potting mix. Salvias are architectural in shape, with long spires of flowers that climb upwards from low-lying foliage. They are commonly found in blues and purples, which contrasts strikingly with the lighter green leaves. This is a plant that naturally blooms later in the season for a long period of time, so August is actually more of the mid-point of its flowering. Therefore, it's an ideal time to deadhead any spires that are past their best. How to prune Work backwards from the flowers to where the growth point branches off from the main stem; ideally there is a new side bud emerging. Cut the salvia flower at this point and you should direct renewed energy into the side bud, resulting in a new spire. You can also use this pruning session to target any unwanted growth, as salvia is known to get a bit leggy and sprawling once several weeks of summer have gone by. Another plant with tall spikes of flowers is lupine, which features large plumes of blooms that narrow into the point at the top. Lupines come in a range of saturated hues and can look especially striking when several colors are planted side-by-side. The foliage underneath is equally vivid and green, with long thin leaves that splay out around the base. How to prune Deadheading this plant is recommended throughout the flowering season, once the spike only has a third of its blooms remaining. Still, you might want to undertake more substantial pruning once the plant starts to fade all over. Instead of just removing the spent flowerheads, cut back the stalks nearly all the way to the ground and leave just a few inches of stem – unless there are new buds forming, in which case cut back until the first bud. Perhaps you prefer a delphinium when it comes to tall flower spikes. 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If the plant is looking a little sad and tired, however, then you can prompt one last flurry of flowers by pruning strategically. If the plant is looking a little sad and tired, you can prompt one last flurry of flowers How to prune Take the stems and cut them down by half, trying to create a rounded shape from the remaining bush. This will help to neaten the plant and also ensure flowers are prominently displayed when they reemerge once again.
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11 top summer vegetables to grow in July — there's still time to enjoy a homegrown crop
The summer is now in full swing, and although I have started to harvest my broad beans and zucchini, there is still a golden window left to sow and grow many other vegetables and herbs. With plenty of long, warm days to look forward to and an abundance of daylight hours, there's still time to plant a kitchen garden in July to enjoy the long-lasting benefits right through to the end of summer, autumn and beyond. Here are 11 vegetables and herbs you can grow right now. Lettuce is a classic summer crop, beloved for its crisp, refreshing leaves that brighten up any meal. Now is an ideal time to sow varieties that will provide you with a steady supply of salad leaves for lunches, dinners, outdoor grills, and everything in between. Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres, recommends growing 'Salad Bowl' and 'Little Gem', which are varieties suited to summer sowing. 'They grow quickly and tolerate the warmer weather better than some other types,' he says. Top tip One key tip for growing lettuce now is to provide partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. Palapramand says this prevents bolting, which causes the plants to become bitter. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. You can also enjoy a continuous harvest by sowing lettuce every two weeks, and look forward to keeping your salad bowl full well into autumn. These greens are fast growers, often ready to harvest in just 30 to 45 days For gardeners looking to sow something other than the common lettuce, Palphramand recommends pak choi and arugula, which thrive in the warmth of summer and can be enjoyed during late summer and autumn. 'These greens are fast growers, often ready to harvest in just 30 to 45 days,' says Palphramand. 'They are excellent for stir-fries, salads, and soups, offering a peppery, fresh flavour that complements many dishes,' he adds. I'm a particular fan of arugula for its peppery taste and eat it as a green salad, while I also add it into my go-to summer salmon quiche. Turnips are a real multitasker, offering both edible roots and leafy greens, with nothing going to waste. Palphramand says, 'When sown now, turnips mature as the weather cools, which tends to improve their flavour, making them sweeter and less bitter.' They typically take between 6 and 10 weeks to reach harvest size, so if you sow them in early July, you can expect fresh turnips on your plate by early autumn. What's more Palphramand adds that turnips grow well in most soils and require minimal care, making them an ideal crop for both experienced and novice gardeners. This Felco bypass pruner is perfect for medium-sized hands and comes with a comfortable ergonomic handle. It has a sturdy design, yet is lightweight and gives a consistent performance. What's more, this pruner is given a 5-star rating in our best pruning shears buying guide. If space is limited and you don't have a large backyard to grow vegetables, you can still grow your own if you have a small patio garden or balcony. Dwarf French beans make an excellent choice and can be sown directly into the ground or planted in containers and placed on a sunny balcony, making them ideal for compact spaces. Palphramand says you can expect Dwarf French beans to produce a steady harvest from late summer into early autumn, and that they are perfect for eating fresh, steaming, or adding to casseroles and salads. Top tip I enjoy Dwarf French beans slightly steamed and cooked in garlic with some freshly grated lemon rind. You'll have to get your skates on if you want to grow carrots, but you've still got a chance to plant late-season crops, such as 'Nantes' or 'Amsterdam Forcing'. However, Palphramand says there is an advantage of growing carrots at this time, 'Sowing carrots later in the year often helps avoid the main carrot fly season, reducing the risk of damage to your crop.' What's more, he adds, 'These varieties tend to produce sweet, tender roots that are perfect for roasting, steaming, or eating raw.' Top tip Carrots prefer loose, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering during dry spells. You can harvest baby beetroot leaves early for salads or wait for the roots to mature in late summer This brightly-colored root vegetable is another crop that thrives when sown in the summer months. Apart from enjoying your beetroot harvest, the leaves will add vibrant color to your vegetable plot. The seeds can be planted in the ground or in containers, with multi-colored varieties to choose from, creating an array of colors. 'Beetroot grows well in a range of soils and is relatively low maintenance, making it ideal for those new to gardening,' says Palphramand, and adds, 'You can harvest baby beetroot leaves early for salads or wait for the roots to mature in late summer. Their natural sweetness intensifies as the weather cools, making them a delicious autumn vegetable.' Perpetual spinach (a type of Swiss chard) and Swiss chard are resilient, easy-to-grow greens that can be sown in July for a steady supply of leaves into autumn and even winter. Palphramand says, 'These crops tolerate cooler temperatures and can be harvested as baby leaves or mature plants. Both are packed with nutrients and versatile in the kitchen, suitable for salads, sautés, and soups.' Top tip I'm a big fan of baby spinach and enjoy it in salads, mixed and tossed with roasted pine nuts. You can also partly substitute it with basil for a delicious pesto. Radishes are the ideal crop to grow for impatient gardeners. Palphramand says, 'Radishes are one of the quickest crops to grow over summer, with some varieties ready to harvest in as little as three weeks.' And because they give fast results, he adds, 'This makes them a perfect crop for children and new gardeners who want quick and satisfying results.' Radishes grow well in containers or garden beds and can be harvested continuously with successive sowings. You can start to plant vegetables in July for a winter harvest. Palphramand suggests sowing kale and cabbage, choosing varieties like 'Fizz' and 'Nero di Toscana' kale, and cabbages such as 'Sweetie' and spring cabbage. If the plants can get established now, they will be ready to be enjoyed during the colder months, when you're looking to eat steamed vegetables rather than salads. These peas provide sweet, crunchy pods that are delicious fresh or cooked It's not too late to sow peas in July for a late-season crop, but don't dally. Palphramand says that mangetout and sugar snap peas are particularly reliable varieties for planting now. 'These peas provide sweet, crunchy pods that are delicious fresh or cooked,' he says, adding, 'Sowing peas now allows you to enjoy their fresh taste well into autumn before the colder weather sets in.' Top tip If you don't eat the peas freshly picked, they can be frozen and cooked in a hearty pea and ham soup later in the year. There are plenty of herbs that will thrive if sown right now. Basil, coriander, dill, and parsley can all be sown in pots or directly into the ground. There's nothing better than cutting freshly grown herbs and adding them to your dishes for extra flavor and aroma. Palphramand recommends regularly harvesting your herbs to encourage bushier growth, and I can vouch for that!
