Just because summer’s in full swing doesn’t mean your sowing season is over. In fact, July is a brilliant time to refresh tired beds, fill gaps in borders, and keep the harvest coming well into autumn.

Whether you’ve just finished lifting early crops or fancy a second wave of fresh produce, there’s still plenty you can grow – and with longer, warmer days and moist, compost-rich soil, conditions are spot on.

What to Sow in July

Fancy a second helping carrots? Now’s your last chance to sow them – especially in spots where early crops have already been lifted.

And if you’re thinking ahead, you can also sow kale, pak choi, leeks, turnips, and even cabbage. These hardy types will happily carry on into cooler months, giving you fresh greens when most other crops are winding down. Although avoid sowing them before a heat wave, as the Asian veggies don’t like it too hot.

Give July Sowing a Boost with RHS Composts

To get the best from mid-summer sowing, your soil needs a little support. That’s where Royal Horticultural Society Composts, available at NAL Plant, really shine.

Whether you’re sowing in pots, raised beds or direct into freshly cleared borders, RHS composts are designed to improve structure, feed roots and hold onto moisture – all key in warm, dry July conditions. They’re the perfect choice for giving seeds and young plants the best possible start.

And if you’re planting out anything raised indoors, don’t forget to harden it off gradually. Let your young plants adjust to life outside by giving them a few hours a day in a sheltered spot, building up slowly to full exposure.

Top Tips for a Thriving July Garden

• Keep seedlings and young plants well-watered – early mornings or evenings are best
• Mulch around established plants to lock in moisture and keep roots cool
• Watch out for slugs and pests that like to munch on greens this time of year
• Harvest regularly to encourage new growth and avoid plants going to seed

With the right compost and a bit of care, you’ll be enjoying fresh pickings long into autumn.