Planting Seeds Still Possible for a Successful Harvest
In the heart of summer, many gardeners might think the growing season is winding down, but fear not! With a bit of planning and the right techniques, you can continue to enjoy a bountiful harvest well into autumn. The GrowVeg YouTube channel has shared a list of ten crops that are perfect for mid-summer planting, along with expert advice on how to cultivate each one for optimal growth.
First on the list is zucchini. To sow these seeds, start them in trays if the soil is still cold or wet. Plant the seeds angled on their sides to prevent rot, and transplant the seedlings with a 2-foot spacing for airflow and mildew prevention. Keep the soil consistently moist for fast growth and a plentiful harvest.
Leafy greens such as salad leaves or spinach are another great choice for mid-summer planting. Sow seeds in shallow drills about 1cm deep, water well before and after sowing, and shade the rows with a plank or shade cloth to protect from heat and maintain moisture until seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings sprout, remove the shade to allow full light.
Carrots can also be successfully planted mid-summer using a similar sowing method to leafy greens: shallow drills and covered with soil. In hot weather, consider using shading to aid germination.
Salad onions, beans (both bush and pole varieties), cucumbers, Swiss chard, radishes, turnips, and fast-growing herbs like basil and cilantro are also ideal for mid-summer planting. Each crop has its unique requirements, but all benefit from warm, well-draining soil and plenty of sun.
Succession sowing throughout mid to late summer is recommended to extend the harvesting period. Starting seeds in containers or raised beds can help control soil conditions better, especially when outdoor soil is too warm, dry, or prone to pests.
For those in cooler zones, broccoli requires protection from cabbage white butterflies, and it's best to start seeds in small pots with potting mix, just barely covered, and move them outside when the time is right. Celery seeds should be covered with a clear plastic bag until they sprout, while leeks should be sown in pots or trays and planted out once they're the thickness of a pencil.
Squash, including summer squash, winter squash, and pattypans, can still be planted mid-summer. They need at least 3 feet of space to avoid crowding and poor airflow, and the soil should be rich and evenly moist.
Other fast-growing options for late planting include green onion, lettuce, spinach, arugula, radish, bok choy, turnips, and beets. Carrots should be sown directly where they'll grow in shallow trenches and thinly spaced. They need loose, well-draining soil and consistent moisture to develop sweet, crunchy roots.
Sweet corn has a shorter growing season, but the window for planting is still open in warmer zones. Choose a variety that matches your summer length.
So, don't let the heat of summer slow you down - get planting! With this guide and a bit of patience, you'll be enjoying fresh, homegrown produce long after others have stopped. Happy gardening!
[1] GrowVeg YouTube video on mid-summer sowing strategies [2] Expert gardening guides focusing on mid-summer sowing strategies [3] The article was written by Mercy Kambura.
- To continue enjoying a bountiful harvest well into autumn, consider planting zucchini, which can be sown in trays if the soil is cold or wet, planted angled on their sides, and transplanted with a 2-foot spacing.
- Leafy greens like salad leaves or spinach can also be planted mid-summer by sowing seeds in shallow drills, watering well, and shading the rows to protect from heat and maintain moisture until seedlings emerge.
- Carrots, salad onions, beans (both bush and pole varieties), cucumbers, Swiss chard, radishes, turnips, and fast-growing herbs like basil and cilantro are also great choices for mid-summer planting, requiring warm, well-draining soil and plenty of sun.
- Succession sowing throughout mid to late summer is recommended to extend the harvesting period, with starting seeds in containers or raised beds helping control soil conditions in warm, dry, or pest-prone outdoor soil.
- For those in cooler zones, broccoli and celery may require special protection or sowing methods, while squash, green onion, lettuce, spinach, arugula, radish, bok choy, turnips, beets, and sweet corn still offer opportunities for late planting, with each crop having its unique requirements for growth.
