July in the garden
Summer · Month 7

What to Sow in July

Peak summer — sow now for autumn and winter harvests.

July is high summer, and while beds are full, forward-thinking gardeners sow now for the leaner months. Fast crops and hardy winter vegetables started this month keep the plot productive long after summer fades.

Dates assume a temperate Central European climate. Warmer regions can sow a little earlier; colder or higher areas a little later. Ask a coach if you’d like advice for your own climate zone.

Start indoors / under cover

Nothing needs starting indoors this month.

Sow direct outdoors

Oriental leaves & winter salads

Vegetables

Sow pak choi, mizuna, and rocket 1 cm deep; they thrive as the heat eases.

Carrots & beetroot (for autumn)

Vegetables

Sow 1-2 cm deep for tender autumn roots.

Kohlrabi, turnips & Florence fennel

Vegetables

Sow 1-2 cm deep; keep well watered to prevent bolting.

Spring cabbage

Vegetables

Sow late in the month to transplant for an early spring crop.

Tips for July

  • Keep up successional salad sowings — a short row every couple of weeks avoids gaps.
  • Water consistently and deeply; erratic watering splits roots and tomatoes.
  • Harvest courgettes and beans regularly to keep the plants cropping.

Harvesting now

Tomatoes, courgettes, beans, cucumbers, beetroot, garlic, and soft fruit.

Heritage Seeds Europe

Sowing this month? Find the seeds to plant.

Browse heirloom and open-pollinated varieties shared by growers across Europe, or list the seeds you are looking for. Free to join.

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