Gardeners' World has urged Britons to take advantage of warm summer temperatures to plant vegetables for a robust autumn harvest. With high air and soil temperatures across the UK, this period is ideal for sowing seeds.
According to Gardeners' World, 'The long, warm days with good light levels speed up the germination process, helping you to extend your season of cropping in the vegetable patch and boost stocks of perennials, biennials and indoor exotics in the ornamental garden and cuttings patch.' However, they note that 'the water table is lower at this time of year and so extra watering may be needed.'
Vegetables to Plant Now
Gardeners' World experts say many vegetable seeds can be sown now, including quick-growing crops like carrots, radishes, soybeans, French beans, and turnips. It is also the last chance to plant out young courgettes, sweetcorn, and squashes for the best chance of cropping before the first autumn frosts.
Carrots
For carrots, this is the last time to sow seeds for an autumn crop. Gardeners' World advises sowing 'directly and thinly' into shallow drills of 'well-prepared soil' or 'pots of soil-based compost.' They suggest avoiding thinning seedlings to prevent carrot fly. Harvest time is May to November.
Turnips
Gardeners' World says: 'Often forgotten, turnips can provide you with two harvests from one plant — the delicately sweet taproot can be eaten, as can the leaves or 'greens'. Eat them soon after harvesting as turnips don't store well. Sow directly in shallow drills, for a delicious winter crop.' Best harvest is May to December.
Radishes
Radishes are quick to mature, almost pest-free, and easy to grow. They can be grown as companion plants to other crops. Harvest season is May to December.
Dwarf French Beans
Dwarf French beans can be sown now to mature before autumn frosts. Gardeners' World recommends sowing dwarf cultivars in the ground or pots and keeping them well-watered. Harvest is July to October.
Winter Cabbage and Swiss Chard
Gardeners' World recommends planting Winter Cabbage now, spacing 45cm apart with 60cm between rows, firming in gently and watering well. Netting may be needed to protect from caterpillars and pigeons. For Swiss Chard, sow seed in a drill 1.5cm deep and 20cm apart, cover lightly with compost, water, and thin seedlings to 20cm apart.
