Monty Don has shared his top tips for gardeners looking to get ahead and start planting for an autumn harvest. The expert encourages shifting attention from summer plants to productive autumn crops, with lettuce as his leading choice.
Plant Lettuce in Plug Trays for Protection
According to Monty, July is the optimal time to plant lettuce for maximum effectiveness and rapid germination, meaning you could be harvesting within six to eight weeks. However, he recommends starting seeds in plug trays instead of sowing directly into open ground to shield fragile seedlings from slugs and snails, the primary threats to young lettuce.
After the seedlings develop sufficiently, typically by August, transplant them approximately 9 inches (22cm) apart. For experienced gardeners, Monty suggests using spaces left by earlier crops like broad beans or peas.
Spacing and Strong Growth
Monty emphasises the importance of 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." By providing 9 inches of space, he says, plants will "become really vigorous" with a stronger root system.
Acclimatisation and Watering Tips
If seedlings were grown in a shaded location, Monty recommends gradually acclimatising them outdoors before planting in the late afternoon. This allows them to establish overnight before contending with harsh midday sun. He also advises keeping soil consistently moist to prevent drying out and bolting.
For warm areas, Monty suggests sowing in shaded positions and laying newspaper over the ground to maintain steady temperatures during germination.
Autumn Reward and Other July Planting Favourites
As autumn arrives, gardeners can expect a splendid crop of what Monty considers the most essential vegetable. He once said: "You can make a salad from all kinds of things but if you only have lettuce then you always have a salad."
Monty advises not to worry excessively about heat, as the primary challenge in July and August is rapidly diminishing daylight hours. He recommends maintaining a modest, steady supply throughout the season rather than sowing one large batch simultaneously.
Beyond lettuce, Monty highlights other July planting favourites such as parsley, ideal for a winter and early spring harvest, applying the same thinning and spacing principles as lettuce, along with fruits like raspberries.
