Monty Don is urging gardeners to focus on autumn crops this July, with lettuce as his top pick for a reliable and steady harvest that will last well into autumn. According to the gardening expert, now is the right time to plant lettuce for maximum efficacy and quick germination, meaning you could be harvesting within six to eight weeks.
How to Plant Lettuce for Autumn Success
Monty advises starting seeds in plug trays rather than sowing directly into open ground. This protects delicate emerging seedlings from slugs and snails, which he identifies as the main threat to young lettuce. After the seedlings have grown enough, usually by August, they should be planted out with a spacing of roughly 9 inches (22cm) apart. For more experienced gardeners, Monty suggests using gaps left by earlier crops such as broad beans or peas.
He stresses the importance of proper spacing: "Do not be tempted to leave a sprinkle of seed that develops into a bunch of spindly seedlings, but thin and encourage each individual plant to be strong." Giving each plant 9 inches of breathing room allows them to "become really vigorous," developing a much stronger root system.
Timing and Watering Tips
If you grew your seedlings in a shaded spot, Monty recommends hardening them off outdoors first, then planting in the late afternoon. This gives them time to settle into the soil overnight before facing intense midday sun. He also advises keeping the soil consistently moist to prevent plants from drying out and bolting.
For those in particularly hot areas, Monty suggests sowing in shaded spots and covering the ground with newspaper to maintain even temperatures during germination. He notes that heat is not the main obstacle in July-August gardening; instead, gardeners should pay attention to rapidly shortening daylight hours and avoid sowing one huge batch all at once. A small, continuous supply is preferable.
Beyond Lettuce: Other July Planting Favorites
Monty also recommends planting parsley for a winter and early spring harvest, using the same thinning and spacing principles as lettuce. Additionally, fruits such as raspberries are good options for July planting.
As Monty once put it: "You can make a salad from all kinds of things but if you only have lettuce then you always have a salad." With proper care, gardeners can look forward to a beautiful autumn harvest.
