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July planting guide: fruits and vegetables for a late harvest

5 Minute read

16 Jul 2024

Hugo McCafferty

Journalist

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It’s not too late to plant fruit and vegetables for a harvest in September or October. Here’s a guide to what to plant in July to ensure a bountiful harvest

The Summer Solstice is behind us and we may feel like summer is slipping through our fingers, but there is still time to plant for a September or October harvest. Midsummer actually gives us the chance to sow some fast-growing fruits and vegetables that will grace our plates in the autumn. Here’s a guide to what you can plant now, in order to have delicious ingredients to work with in just a few months.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are ideal for July planting due to being fast-growing and able to thrive in cooler autumn weather. They are relatively hardy, but do require attention when it comes to watering, so if you are planning on going away for a few weeks this summer, make sure you set the sprinklers.

Spinach

A hardy green, spinach can be planted in July for a plentiful harvest come September. Choose a spot with partial shade and well-draining soil. Spinach thrives in the cool, crisp temperatures of early autumn, ensuring a rich, nutrient-dense crop.

Lettuce

Varieties like leaf, romaine and butterhead lettuce can be sown in July. Lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested in about 30-45 days. Choose heat-tolerant varieties initially, transitioning to cooler-weather types as temperatures begin to drop.

Kale

Kale can withstand cooler temperatures and even a light frost, which can enhance its sweetness. Plant kale in July, and you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest in September and October. They are also beautiful plants that will add plenty of joy to your garden throughout late summer into autumn.

Root vegetables

Root vegetables are excellent choices for July planting, as they develop underground and can handle the variable temperatures of late summer and early autumn.

Carrots

Carrots thrive when planted in mid-summer. Choose a fast-maturing variety to ensure a harvest by October. Heirloom varieties work well at this time of year. The cooler weather as they mature will result in sweeter, crisper carrots.

Beets

Beets are another great option for late-summer planting as they only take about 60 days to mature. Both the roots and the greens are edible, giving you a versatile ingredient for your kitchen. Beets are incredible as savoury ingredients, but can work well in sweet dishes too. Plant them in well-draining soil, and thin the seedlings to give them room to grow.

Radishes

Known for their rapid growth, radishes can be ready to harvest in as little as 30 days. This makes them perfect for successive planting, allowing multiple harvests from July through October. One of summer’s signature flavours, there is nothing better than homegrown radishes with butter and pepper in late summer or autumn.

Brassicas

Brassicas, or cruciferous vegetables, thrive in cooler temperatures and can withstand light frosts, making them ideal for late-summer planting. They also pair well with autumn meats and a cuisine that is getting a little heavier and richer, but can also feature in lighter summer salads and cold plates.

Broccoli

Plant broccoli in July for an autumn harvest. It prefers cooler weather and will develop large, flavourful heads as the temperatures drop. Ensure the plants receive plenty of sunlight and are watered regularly.

Cauliflower

Similar to broccoli, cauliflower can be planted in midsummer for an autumn harvest. It requires consistent moisture and autumn sun exposure but will reward you with dense, creamy-white heads perfect for a variety of dishes.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a hardy vegetable that can be planted in July for an autumn harvest. Choose early maturing varieties like parel, to ensure they form tight heads before the first frost.

Herbs

July is also a good time to plant certain herbs that can enhance your culinary creations through the autumn months, adding plenty of flavour and depth to your dishes.

Coriander

Coriander is a fast-growing herb that thrives in cooler temperatures and can be planted in July for an autumn harvest. Its leaves can be harvested in about 30 days, with the seeds maturing later. Plant copious amounts – you can dry the seeds and freeze the leaves to use all year round.

Dill

Another herb that prefers cooler temperatures, dill can be sown in July and will be ready to harvest in about 60 days. Use the leaves to flavour your seafood dishes, and allow some plants to flower and go to seed for a continual harvest.

Late-season fruits

While most fruits are planted earlier in the season, there are a few that can still be sown in July for a late-season harvest.

Strawberries

‘Dayneutral’ strawberries can be planted in July for an autumn harvest. Unlike June-bearing varieties, dayneutrals produce fruit continuously until the first frost, offering a sweet treat for your autumn table. Ask your garden centre for the right variety and enjoy sweet summer strawberries late into the season and into autumn.

Melons

Quick-growing melon varieties, such as some cantaloupes and watermelons, can be planted in July. Ensure they receive plenty of warmth and water, and you can enjoy fresh, juicy melons by late September or early October.

It’s not too late to make the most of the remaining summer sunshine; there are plenty of fruit and vegetable varieties that can still mature quickly in time for an early autumn harvest. To ensure the best results, ensure your soil is well-prepared with adequate organic matter to support the rapid growth of these mid-season crops. Consistent watering is crucial, especially during the hot days of late summer. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, and if you are planning a vacation, make sure you set your sprinklers. Keep an eye out for pests, which can be more prevalent during the warmer months. Use organic pest control methods to protect your crops.

By choosing the right crops and providing optimal growing conditions, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest well into the autumn. Remember to ask for help at your garden centre, they are the experts and are always happy to assist.