What to Grow in June and July in the UK: Top 10 Vegetables and Herbs for a Thriving Summer Garden

Summer is in full swing across the UK, and it’s a fantastic time to get outside and make the most of your garden. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, June and July offer prime conditions for sowing and planting a variety of fast-growing, productive crops. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 10 best plants to grow in June and July in the UK, provide sowing tips, harvest timelines, and practical gardening advice to help your garden flourish.

Why June and July Are Great for Planting

• Long daylight hours boost photosynthesis
• Warmer soil temperatures aid seed germination
• Reduced risk of frost, especially in southern regions
• Quick-growing crop potential, allowing harvests as early as August

Top 10 Best Plants to Grow in June & July in the UK

1. Carrots – Sow outdoors, harvest Sep–Oct. Thin early and choose sunny spots.
2. Beetroot – Sow outdoors, harvest Aug–Oct. Great for both root and leaf use.
3. Lettuce – Sow in- or outdoors, harvest Jul–Sep. Water regularly in hot weather.
4. Runner Beans – Sow in- or outdoors, harvest Aug–Oct. Provide support.
5. Courgettes – Sow in- or outdoors, harvest Aug–Oct. Pick when young.
6. Spring Onions – Sow in- or outdoors, harvest Aug–Sep. Succession sow.
7. Spinach – Sow in- or outdoors, harvest Jul–Sep. Keep moist to avoid bolting.
8. Radishes – Sow outdoors, harvest Jul–Aug. Ready in 3–4 weeks.
9. French Beans – Sow in- or outdoors, harvest Aug–Sep. Climbing or dwarf types.
10. Coriander – Sow in- or outdoors, harvest Jul–Sep. Prefers light shade.

Infographic

Plant	Sow Indoors	Sow Outdoors	Harvest Time
Carrots	No	Yes	Sep-Oct
Beetroot	No	Yes	Aug-Oct
Lettuce	Yes	Yes	July-Sep
Runner Beans	Yes	Yes	Aug-Oct
Courgettes	Yes	Yes	Aug-Oct
Spring Onions	Yes	Yes	Aug-Sep
Spinach	Yes	Yes	Jul-Sep
Radishes	No	Yes	Jul-Aug
French Beans	Yes	Yes	Aug-Sep
Coriander	Yes	Yes	Jul-Sep

 

Gardening Tips for June and July

• Water wisely – Early morning or evening. Mulch helps retain moisture.
• Watch for pests – Use organic traps for slugs, snails, and aphids.
• Succession sowing – For crops like lettuce and radishes.
• Fertilise regularly – High-potash feeds work best for fruiting plants.
• Deadhead and prune – Encourages fresh growth in herbs and flowers.

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FAQs About Summer Planting in the UK

Q: Is it too late to plant in June or July?
A: Not at all. Many vegetables and herbs grow quickly and are ideally suited to being sown mid-summer.

Q: Can I still grow crops in containers or on balconies?
A: Yes! Most of the crops listed above do very well in containers, especially lettuce, spinach, and spring onions.

Q: When should I stop sowing for the year?
A: Most sowing can continue until August, depending on the crop and your local climate. Always check the seed packet.

Final Thoughts

With warm weather, long days, and fewer frosts, June and July are prime months for UK gardeners to sow seeds and enjoy fast results. The top 10 vegetables and herbs listed in this guide not only grow well now, but they also reward your effort with delicious, fresh produce through the late summer and early autumn.

Happy planting!

Would you like a printable version of this guide or a personalised planting calendar for your region? Feel free to reach out!