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There’s still time to sow vegetables, plant fruit bushes and establish flowers for colour and harvests well into next year
Don't let July slip by without planting these garden favourites. Whether you're hoping for homegrown harvests later this year or colourful flowers next spring, there's still time to make the most of the warm soil and long daylight hours. Seeds germinate quickly in July, while young plants can establish strong root systems before autumn arrives.
Here are eight of the best plants to grow before July ends, plus expert advice on how to help them thrive.
Turnips are one of the easiest crops to sow in midsummer, and can reward gardeners with a delicious autumn harvest just a few months later.
‘Sow directly into well-drained soil, then keep the soil moist while seedlings establish and thin plants to give the roots room to grow,’ says Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express.
Choose a sunny spot and sow little and often if you'd like a continuous crop. Once seedlings appear, thinning them early is essential to prevent overcrowding.
‘This month is the best time to plant winter cabbage, so it has plenty of time to establish,’ Chris tells us. ‘Choose a sunny position with fertile, firm soil and water regularly during dry spells.’
Adding plenty of organic matter before planting will improve moisture retention. Keep the area weed-free while plants establish, and consider protecting young cabbages with fine netting to prevent caterpillar damage later in the season.
Read more: Caterpillars are eating your plants – here's how to stop them naturally
One of the fastest-growing vegetables you can grow, radishes are perfect for impatient gardeners, often reaching harvest in as little as four weeks.
‘This is a fast-growing crop that can be sown little and often throughout July,’ explains Chris. ‘Water regularly to produce crisp, mild-flavoured roots.’
Successive sowings every couple of weeks will ensure a steady supply throughout the summer. They also make excellent companions alongside slower-growing vegetables.
Fresh coriander is wonderfully easy to grow during July, and offers repeated harvests when sown little and often.
‘Coriander grows well from seed in July, but benefits from some shade during the hottest part of the day,’ explains Chris. ‘Sow every few weeks for a continuous harvest and keep the soil evenly moist.’
Growing coriander in partial shade can help slow bolting during hot spells, allowing plants to produce leaves for longer. Regular picking will also encourage fresh growth, making it an excellent herb for containers, as well as vegetable beds.
Read more: Why your vegetables and herbs are flowering early – and how to stop it
If you've always wanted to grow your own fruit, July is still an excellent time to plant container-grown blueberry bushes.
‘Container-grown blueberry plants can be planted throughout July provided they are watered well,’ Chris says. ‘They thrive in acidic soil or ericaceous compost and prefer a sunny or lightly shaded position.’
Keep plants consistently watered during dry weather, as shallow roots can dry out quickly, and mulch with bark to help retain moisture.
Another productive bush that can be planted during July, gooseberries offer generous amounts of fruit for years to come.
‘Gooseberry bushes can be planted this month if grown in containers’ Chris tells us. ‘They prefer a sunny spot with well-drained soil and should be watered consistently while they establish.’
Give them plenty of space for air to circulate around them, which helps reduce the risk of mildew. Once established, annual pruning during winter will keep plants productive and encourage plenty of large, juicy fruits.
Planting these pretty plants now means you'll enjoy cheerful colour through autumn, winter, and well into spring when many other flowers have finished.
‘Place seeds in fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position,’ advises Chris.
Pansies work beautifully in borders, containers and hanging baskets, where they can be mixed with ornamental grasses or evergreen foliage for long-lasting seasonal displays.
For a dramatic cottage garden style next year, July is one of the very best times to plant foxgloves.
‘July is one of the best times to plant foxgloves for spectacular flowers the following year,’ explains Chris. ‘Grow in moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.’
These elegant biennials produce towering flower spikes that attract bees and other pollinators, all while adding height and movement to borders. Plant them towards the middle or back of beds, where they'll rise above to create a natural, layered display.
Read more: What to do with foxgloves after flowering: 4 simple steps for beautiful blooms next year
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