5 Crops I’m Growing Again This Month

Introduction

As the growing season heats up, some crops stand out year after year for their reliability, flavour, and productivity. In this article, we’ll explore 5 Crops I’m Growing Again This Month, highlighting why each made the cut, how to care for them, and creative ways to enjoy your harvest. Whether you’re an allotmenteer, balcony gardener, or backyard enthusiast, these tried-and-true favourites will keep your plot buzzing with productivity—and your kitchen brimming with fresh ingredients.

In this guide, you’ll find:

• An overview of each crop and the varieties chosen
• Detailed planting, feeding, and watering schedules
• Pest, disease, and support strategies
• Harvesting, storage, and recipe ideas
• Tips for improving yield on repeat plantings

Read on to discover how to get the most out of these dependable performers and why they earn a spot in my garden month after month.

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1. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

1.1 Why Grow Tomatoes Again?

Tomatoes are the quintessential summer crop: juicy, versatile, and packed with vitamins. After last year’s bumper harvest of ‘Sungold’ cherries and ‘Moneymaker’ slicers, I’m returning to these varieties for their exceptional taste and vigour. Their long fruiting period means you’ll enjoy fresh tomatoes from mid-summer through early autumn.

1.2 Variety Selection

• ‘Sungold’ (cherry): Sweet, golden fruits; prolific and crack-resistant.
• ‘Moneymaker’ (beefsteak): Classic flavour, reliable indoors or out.
• ‘Green Zebra’ (heirloom): Striking striped fruits and tangy taste for salads.

1.3 Planting and Support

• Sowing: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost (early May in most UK zones).
• Transplanting: Harden off and plant out mid-June when night temperatures stay above 10 °C.
• Spacing: 45 cm between plants in rows 60 cm apart for airflow.
• Support: Use sturdy bamboo canes or tomato cages. Tie plants loosely with soft ties to prevent stem damage.

1.4 Feeding, Watering, and Care

• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil with pH 6.0–7.0; incorporate well-rotted compost before planting.
• Watering: Deep, weekly soakings rather than daily surface sprinklings; early morning is best.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced organic fertiliser at planting, then switch to high-potash liquid feeds (seaweed or tomato feed) every two weeks once fruit sets.
• Pruning: For indeterminate (cordon) types, pinch out side shoots weekly; leave foliage on bush (determinate) types to shade fruits.

1.5 Pest and Disease Management

• Blight: Monitor for brown lesions; remove and destroy infected leaves immediately.
• Aphids: Blast under leaves with water or release ladybirds.
• Tomato hornworms: Hand-pick and drop into soapy water.

1.6 Harvesting and Uses

• Harvest: Pick when fruits are fully coloured and slightly soft to the touch.
• Storage: Keep at room temperature; use within a week for best flavour.
• Recipes: Caprese salads with Basilica, homemade tomato sauce, roasted tomato tarts, and fresh salsas.

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2. Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo)

2.1 Why Grow Courgettes Again?

Courgettes are among the fastest and most prolific summer vegetables. A couple of plants can yield dozens of fruits over a two-month span—ideal for gardeners seeking high returns on minimal space.

2.2 Variety Selection

• ‘Black Beauty’: Dark-green fruits, vigorous vines.
• ‘Ronde de Nice’: Round, pale-green fruits perfect for stuffing.
• ‘Gold Rush’: Bright yellow fruits that add colour to the plot.

2.3 Sowing and Planting

• Direct sowing: In mid-May, when soil warms above 15 °C, sow two to three seeds per hole, 1 cm deep, 1 m apart.
• Transplanting: For an earlier start, sow indoors in April and plant out after frost risk passes.
• Companion planting: Interplant with beans or corn to maximize space.

2.4 Feeding, Watering, and Care

• Watering: Consistent moisture; soak deeply once or twice weekly.
• Feeding: Side-dress with well-rotted manure at bloom, then apply high-potash liquid feeds every three weeks.
• Mulching: Use straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

2.5 Pest and Disease Management

• Powdery mildew: Ensure good air circulation; apply milk-water spray (1:9) at first sign of white powder.
• Squash vine borers: Inspect stem bases for holes; cover with aluminium foil as a barrier.
• Slugs and snails: Use beer traps or nematode treatments early in the season.

2.6 Harvesting and Uses

• Harvest: Pick fruits when they’re 10–15 cm long; check every other day.
• Storage: Store unwashed in the fridge’s crisper drawer for up to five days.
• Recipes: Courgette fritters, spiralized courgette “noodles,” stuffed courgette rounds, and roasted courgette ribbons tossed with pesto.

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3. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

3.1 Why Grow Basil Again?

Fresh basil transforms dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Its aromatic leaves boast high essential-oil content in warm weather, making July the ideal time for a continuous harvest.

3.2 Variety Selection

• ‘Genovese’: Classic Italian basil for pesto.
• ‘Red Rubin’: Deep-purple leaves with a spicy-sweet flavour.
• ‘Thai Basil’: Licorice-like notes perfect for Asian cuisine.

3.3 Sowing and Planting

• Sowing: Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost or direct sow in late May once soil warms.
• Transplanting: Harden off seedlings and space 30 cm apart in full sun beds or containers.
• Companion planting: Near tomatoes to improve flavour and deter pests.

3.4 Feeding, Watering, and Care

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil; incorporate compost at planting.
• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist; avoid waterlogging.
• Feeding: Side-dress with balanced organic fertiliser every four weeks.
• Pruning: Pinch out flower buds as they appear to maintain leaf production; harvest by cutting just above a node.

3.5 Pest and Disease Management

• Downy mildew: Provide good air circulation; avoid overhead watering.
• Aphids and whiteflies: Spray with neem oil or soapy water; encourage predatory insects.

3.6 Harvesting and Uses

• Harvest: Snip leaves from the top to encourage bushier growth; harvest before midday for peak flavour.
• Storage: Store stems in a glass of water at room temperature or freeze leaves in ice-cube trays with olive oil.
• Recipes: Classic pesto, basil-lemonade, caprese skewers, basil-infused oil, and summer soups garnished with chiffonade.

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4. Runner Beans (Phaseolus coccineus)

4.1 Why Grow Runner Beans Again?

Runner beans are vigorous climbers that provide decorative flowers and crunchy pods. Their high protein content and sweet flavour make them a kitchen staple.

4.2 Variety Selection

• ‘Scarlet Emperor’: Bright red flowers, heavy yields.
• ‘White Lady’: Creamy-white pods and flowers—adds visual contrast.
• ‘Painted Lady’: Bicolour blooms and excellent disease resistance.

4.3 Sowing and Support

• Sowing: Direct sow outdoors in mid-May into enriched soil, 2.5 cm deep, at the base of a tripod of canes. Sow succession plantings every two weeks until early July.
• Support: Provide A-frame or netting at least 2 m tall; place alongside corn or sunflowers for natural trellising.

4.4 Feeding, Watering, and Care

• Soil: Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure before sowing.
• Watering: Keep consistently moist, especially during flowering and pod fill.
• Feeding: Top-dress with compost tea or fish emulsion when flowers first appear.
• Maintenance: Train side shoots up supports; pinch out the growing tip when plants reach top of frame to encourage lateral branching.

4.5 Pest and Disease Management

• Blackfly: Spray underside of leaves with water or horticultural oil; encourage ladybirds.
• Rust: Remove yellowing, speckled leaves; avoid overhead irrigation.

4.6 Harvesting and Uses

• Harvest: Pick pods when they’re 10–15 cm long and tender; harvest every 2–3 days.
• Storage: Blanch, cool in iced water, and store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer.
• Recipes: Garlic-butter runner beans, Sichuan-style green bean stir-fry, cold bean salad with radish and herbs.

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5. Strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa)

5.1 Why Grow Strawberries Again?

Few pleasures rival biting into a sun-warmed strawberry straight from the plant. After last year’s success with everbearing ‘Albion’ and alpine ‘Mara des Bois,’ I’m sowing these again for their extended harvest window and superb taste.

5.2 Variety Selection

• ‘Albion’: Large, sweet, day-neutral variety that fruits from June through October.
• ‘Mara des Bois’: Alpine heirloom with intense fragrance and small, flavourful berries.
• ‘Cambridge Favourite’: Classic June-bearer with reliable yields.

5.3 Planting and Soil Preparation

• Bed preparation: Incorporate compost and aged manure into a sunny, well-drained bed.
• Planting time: Early spring (March–April) or autumn (September); space plants 30 cm apart with runners removed or potted.
• Container growing: Use strawberry troughs or hanging baskets with ericaceous compost for acidic conditions.

5.4 Feeding, Watering, and Care

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist—strawberries dislike dry spells while bearing fruit.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced strawberry feed (high potassium) when flowers appear, then fortnightly throughout fruiting.
• Mulching: Use straw or horticultural fleece to keep berries clean and suppress weeds.
• Runner management: Remove excessive runners to focus energy on fruit; pot up extras for more plants.

5.5 Pest and Disease Management

• Slugs and snails: Use collars around plants, beer traps, or nematode treatments.
• Gray mould (Botrytis): Ensure good airflow; remove and destroy rotten berries promptly.
• Birds: Cover with fine netting once fruits begin to colour.

5.6 Harvesting and Uses

• Harvest: Pick when berries are fully red; check daily during peak season.
• Storage: Do not wash until ready to eat; store in a single layer on paper towels in the fridge for up to three days.
• Recipes: Strawberry jam, pavlova topping, strawberry-basil salad, and creamy strawberry smoothie.

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Conclusion

Re-growing these five proven crops month after month ensures a steady, delicious supply of kitchen-ready produce. From the vibrant sweetness of tomatoes and strawberries to the versatility of courgettes, basil, and runner beans, each offers unique rewards in flavour, nutrition, and plot performance. By selecting the right varieties, timing your sowings and plantings, and staying vigilant against pests and diseases, you’ll maximize yields and extend your harvest well into autumn.

Embrace these familiar favourites in your garden again this month—and discover how a second planting can sometimes yield even greater satisfaction than the first. Happy growing!

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Top 10 Questions and Answers

1. When should I sow tomato seeds for a July harvest?
   Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost, typically in early May for a mid-July transplant and harvest by late August.
2. How can I prevent powdery mildew on courgettes?
   Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and spray with a 1:9 milk-water solution at the first sign of white powder.
3. What’s the best way to freeze fresh basil?
   Chop leaves and pack into ice-cube trays with olive oil, then freeze; add cubes directly to sauces for instant flavour.
4. How often should I pick runner beans?
   Harvest every 2–3 days when pods reach 10–15 cm to encourage continuous production.
5. Can everbearing strawberries fruit into autumn?
   Yes—day-neutral varieties like ‘Albion’ produce berries from June through October if kept moist and fed regularly.
6. What support do indeterminate tomatoes need?
   Use sturdy 1.8–2 m canes or cages; tie in stems loosely with soft garden ties to allow for stem thickening.
7. How do I improve strawberry yield in established beds?
   Remove old leaves after fruiting, apply balanced fertiliser in early spring, and replace plants every 3–4 years.
8. Is it better to direct-sow or transplant courgettes?
   Direct sowing in warm soil often yields stronger plants, but transplanting indoors can give an earlier crop if frost risk is past.
9. How can I extend basil harvest through summer?
   Pinch out flower buds as they form, harvest regularly, and provide consistent warmth and moisture.
10. What organic methods control slugs on strawberries?
    Use beer traps, copper tape collars, or apply nematodes (Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita) to the soil to target slugs.

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