As soon as your first batch of plants are in the ground in spring it’s easy to assume that that’s that, but there are lots of planting opportunities from now until August (and then more in September and October) that are worth knowing about so that you can keep your veg patch really productive!As soon as your first batch of plants are in the ground in spring it’s easy to assume that that’s that, but there are lots of planting opportunities from now until August (and then more in September and October) that are worth knowing about so that you can keep your veg patch really productive!
June
Plant up as much as you can now for a bountiful crop – peas, beans, leeks, salads, sweetcorn, carrots, beets and more! If possible, try to plant any heat-loving veggies like tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers and cucamelons this month, as well as squashes as they will need a little time and warmth to ripen for a good crop. Plant out herbs to use in the summer too.
July
This is a great month for planting up brassicas, so try and get broccoli, cabbages, cauliflowers and kale in the ground. You’ll be able to harvest them over the autumn. You can still plant a batch of beets and carrots with plenty of time to harvest them in late summer, and it’s a good time to fill any gaps with quick growing salad leaves, spring onions and peas.
August
August is the last chance for planting out carrots and beetroots. You can still plant out brassicas and oriental leaves this month for a late autumn crop. You can also get plenty of perennial herbs in the ground and give them a good chance to get established before winter. They’ll pop back up again in spring nice and early for you. Once beds are cleared after autumn harvests, top them up with fresh compost ready for planting autumn crops next month and into October.