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Many gardeners might believe that by July, the window for sowing most vegetables has closed. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. July is actually the perfect time to start planning for your autumn harvest and sowing the seeds for several types of vegetables. Here, we present the top 5 vegetables you can (and should) start in July.
Beans
July is a great time to plant a second crop of beans. Both bush and pole beans can do well when sown in July, as they thrive in warm soil and air temperatures. Ensure they have adequate moisture and harvest them while they’re young and tender for the best flavor. Beans typically have a quick turnaround and can be harvested in about 50 to 60 days.
Beets
Beets are a versatile vegetable that can be sown throughout July for a late summer or early autumn harvest. With their high sugar content, beets thrive in the cooler temperatures that come as the summer begins to wane. The roots can be roasted or pickled, and the leaves make a delicious addition to salads.
Swiss Chard
Chard is a resilient leafy green that tolerates both heat and cold well. Sowing Swiss chard in July can yield a bountiful harvest in autumn, and these plants often continue to produce until the first frost. Enjoy the leaves in salads, stir-fries, or as a colourful, nutritious side dish.
Carrots
Late July is an ideal time to sow a late-season carrot crop. They’ll enjoy the warm soil for quick germination and the decreasing temperatures as they mature. Carrots sown in summer have a sweet, intense flavor that’s perfect for autumn stews and soups, or simply enjoyed raw.
Lettuce
While lettuce often struggles in the heat of midsummer, starting a crop in late July can result in a productive harvest during the cooler autumn months. Opt for heat-tolerant varieties for best results. Remember to keep the soil consistently moist, and consider using shade cloth to protect the young plants from intense summer sun.
Conclusion
While July might seem late in the game, it’s a perfect time to get a second round of delicious, homegrown vegetables in the ground. By selecting heat-tolerant and quick-maturing varieties, you can look forward to an abundant and flavorful autumn harvest.