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
VegetablesSow pak choi, mizuna, and rocket 1 cm deep; they thrive as the heat eases.
Carrots & beetroot (for autumn)
VegetablesSow 1-2 cm deep for tender autumn roots.
Kohlrabi, turnips & Florence fennel
VegetablesSow 1-2 cm deep; keep well watered to prevent bolting.
Spring cabbage
VegetablesSow 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.