What to Plant in June and July

Summer is in full swing. The sun is high, the soil is warm, and your garden? It’s ready for more! While many think the spring rush is the only time to sow seeds, June and July are golden months for planting. Whether you’re growing veggies, herbs, or flowers, there’s still plenty of time to get your hands dirty and your garden buzzing with life.

In fact, planting in early to mid-summer has its perks—longer daylight hours, warmer soil temperatures, and quicker germination. Ready to dig in? Here’s your complete guide to what to plant in June and July.

What to Plant in July

July is an excellent month for sowing seeds and planting a variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers, shrubs, and trees. The warm soil and air temperatures, along with long daylight hours, help speed up germination and growth. However, because the water table is lower, extra watering is often necessary—especially for shallow-rooted plants or newly transplanted shrubs.

Vegetables That Thrive in July

If you’re planting in July, it’s not too late to enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables well into fall or even winter. Here’s a quick list of what to sow now and how to do it right:

Lettuce

• How to Grow: Sow seeds in rows 30cm apart. Thin seedlings to allow space to grow.
• Conditions: Full sun or partial shade. Water regularly, especially in heat.
• Tip: Use shade cloth in hot climates to prevent bolting.

2. Carrots

• How to Grow: Sow directly into well-dug, stone-free soil. Space seeds 2–3cm apart.
• Conditions: Full sun. Keep soil consistently moist.
• Tip: Use fine netting to protect against carrot fly.

3. Turnips

• How to Grow: Sow seeds thinly in shallow drills 1cm deep.
• Conditions: Full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
• Tip: Harvest young for tender roots; leaves can be cooked like spinach.

4. Radishes

• How to Grow: Sow directly into soil every 2 weeks for succession cropping.
• Conditions: Sun or light shade. Keep soil moist.
• Tip: Harvest quickly—don’t let them grow woody or bolt.

5. Dwarf French Beans

• How to Grow: Sow in rows 5cm deep, 15cm apart.
• Conditions: Warm, sunny spot. Water well during flowering.
• Tip: Pick pods regularly to encourage more growth.

6. Winter Cabbages

• How to Grow: Transplant seedlings into firm soil, spacing 30–45cm apart.
• Conditions: Full sun, fertile soil. Net to prevent caterpillars.
• Tip: Feed with high-nitrogen fertilizer once established.

7. Swiss Chard

• How to Grow: Sow seeds 2.5cm deep, 30cm apart.
• Conditions: Sun or part shade. Water consistently.
• Tip: Harvest outer leaves and let the center continue growing.

8. Coriander

• How to Grow: Sow directly into soil, thin to 15cm apart.
• Conditions: Light shade in summer to avoid bolting.
• Tip: Water often and harvest leaves regularly.

Fruit to Plant in July

Some fruits do just fine if planted now, particularly container-grown types.

Blueberries

• How to Grow: Plant in pots or acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5).
• Conditions: Full sun, moist but well-drained soil.
• Tip: Use rainwater and ericaceous compost for best results.

Gooseberries

• How to Grow: Plant in winter or early spring; space 1.5m apart.
• Conditions: Sunny or lightly shaded, fertile soil.
• Tip: Prune annually to maintain an open shape.

Flowers to Plant in July

Brighten up your garden and support pollinators by planting these vibrant flowers.

Delphiniums

• How to Grow: Sow seeds in trays; transplant when large enough.
• Conditions: Sun and rich, well-drained soil.
• Tip: Stake tall varieties and protect from slugs.

Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise)

• How to Grow: Sow in warm, moist seed compost.
• Conditions: Indoors or in a heated greenhouse. Needs humidity.
• Tip: Soak seeds overnight to speed up germination.

Forget-me-nots

• How to Grow: Sow in trays or directly into beds.
• Conditions: Light shade, moist soil.
• Tip: Self-seeds easily—cut back after flowering to control spread.

Pansies

• How to Grow: Sow in trays, plant out in autumn.
• Conditions: Sun or light shade.
• Tip: Deadhead to prolong blooming.

Wallflowers

• How to Grow: Sow in trays or directly into beds in summer.
• Conditions: Full sun, well-drained soil.
• Tip: Plant out in autumn for spring blooms.

Foxgloves

• How to Grow: Sow thinly in trays or beds.
• Conditions: Partial shade. Moist, fertile soil.
• Tip: Biennial – blooms the second year.

Colchicums (Autumn Crocus)

• How to Grow: Plant bulbs 10–15cm deep in July/August.
• Conditions: Full sun or light shade.
• Tip: Allow leaves to die back naturally.

Dahlias

• How to Grow: Plant tubers or pots after frost.
• Conditions: Full sun, fertile soil. Water regularly.
• Tip: Deadhead often. Lift tubers in winter in cold climates.

Shrubs and Trees to Plant in July

It’s not too late to plant shrubs and trees, especially if they’re container-grown.

Hydrangeas

• How to Grow: Plant in shade or part shade.
• Conditions: Moist, rich soil. Water frequently.
• Tip: Color changes depending on soil pH.

Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)

• How to Grow: Plant in full sun.
• Conditions: Tolerates poor soil. Needs good drainage.
• Tip: Prune back in early spring for best blooms.

Note: July is the final month to plant out young courgettes, squashes, and sweetcorn for any hope of a late harvest.

Quick Summer Gardening Tips

• Water consistently and deeply, especially during dry spells. Early morning is ideal.
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Use shade cloth or companion planting to shelter delicate greens.
• Watch for pests, as July heat often brings increased insect activity.

Don’t Forget These Last-Minute Planting Options

Even as July winds down, you still have time to sneak in some fast-growers like:

• Bush beans
• Radishes
• Lettuce
• Spinach (for fall harvests)
• Short-season cucumbers

And don’t forget: container-grown plants (fruit trees, herbs, flowers) can be planted anytime with proper care—just water deeply and regularly.

What’s Going in Your Garden This Month?

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, June and July are far from too late to grow something amazing. With the right choices and a bit of care, your garden can thrive all the way into autumn—and beyond.

What are you planting this month? Drop your picks or ask for personalized tips in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

Happy gardening!