July Planting Guide

July is an excellent month for gardening and getting our hands dirty. With both soil and air temperatures high, the warm days and ample light levels speed up germination, extending the cropping season in your vegetable patch and enhancing stocks of perennials, biennials, and indoor exotics in your ornamental garden. However, be mindful of the lower water table this time of year; extra watering will be necessary (especially with the unusually high temperatures we have been seeing in the UK)

For UK gardens, a variety of flower and vegetable seeds thrive when sown in July. Biennials like foxgloves, which bloom the following spring, can be planted now. Quick-growing crops such as radishes, French beans, soybeans, and carrots are also ideal for July planting.

This month is also perfect for planting young plants grown from seeds in previous months. It’s the last chance to plant young courgettes, squashes, and sweetcorn early in the month to ensure they crop before the autumn frosts. Additionally, winter cabbages sown in April and May should be planted out now to mature in time for Christmas.

Vegetables to Plant in July

Lettuce

Lettuce is a quick and easy crop, ideal for continuous sowing from March to September. Whether you prefer hearting varieties or cut-and-come-again types, sow seeds in shallow drills or pots. Thin seedlings to 30cm for hearting lettuces and harvest young leaves as needed for a nearly year-round fresh salad supply.

Carrots

Can you plant carrots in July?

Yes, July is the final month to sow carrots for an autumn harvest. Sow seeds directly and thinly into shallow drills of well-prepared soil or in pots with soil-based compost. Avoid thinning seedlings to prevent attracting carrot fly.

Turnips

Often overlooked, turnips offer dual harvests: the sweet taproot and the edible greens. Sow seeds directly in shallow drills for a delicious winter crop. Remember, turnips don’t store well, so eat them soon after harvesting.

Radishes

Radishes are quick to mature, easy to grow, and almost pest-free, adding a peppery kick to salads. They also make excellent companion plants for other crops.

Dwarf French Beans

July is the last month to sow French beans, allowing pods to mature before autumn frosts. Sow dwarf cultivars in the ground or pots and ensure they are well-watered.

Winter Cabbages

Now is the optimal time to plant winter cabbages. Plant 45cm apart with 60cm between rows. Firm in gently and water thoroughly. Use netting to protect against cabbage white caterpillars and pigeons.

Flowers to Plant in July

Delphiniums

Sow delphiniums in July for flowers the following summer. Many single-flowered varieties are excellent for attracting bees.

Strelitzia

For something different, consider Strelitzias (bird of paradise). These vibrant perennial plants are perfect for greenhouses or as houseplants and can be sown throughout the summer.

Forget-me-nots

Forget-me-nots (Myosotis) can be sown from May to September, mimicking their natural seed dispersal. Scatter seeds in flower bed gaps or seed trays for later planting.

Pansies

Sowing pansies in July gives them time to develop before planting in autumn. Early sowing in the month ensures spring blooms.

Wallflowers

Wallflowers, sown in summer and planted out in autumn, bloom from early spring. Sow in multi-celled trays or small pots now for vibrant orange or yellow flowers next year.

Foxgloves

Sow foxgloves in July to ensure they mature and bloom the following summer. Scatter fine seeds on moist, peat-free seed compost and cover with a thin layer of vermiculite. Other biennials ideal for summer sowing include honesty (Lunaria annua), sweet rocket (Hesperis matronalis), and stocks (Matthiola incana).

For a beautiful and bountiful garden, July offers ample opportunities to sow and plant a variety of vegetables and flowers. Keep your garden well-watered, and you’ll enjoy a rich harvest and vibrant blooms in the coming months.