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Best Vegetables to Sow for a Late Summer or Autumn Harvest

? Introduction: It’s Not Too Late to Grow!

Think it’s too late to sow seeds? Think again! While spring might be the traditional sowing season, there are plenty of vegetables you can sow in July and August that will be ready for a late summer or autumn harvest.

Whether you’ve cleared some early crops or you’re just getting started, this guide is packed with fast-maturing vegetables and cool-season favourites that are perfect for sowing now. These crops will reward you with fresh, nutritious produce right through the late growing season — and in some cases, even into winter.

Let’s dig into the best vegetables to sow now for a productive late summer and autumn harvest in the UK.

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? Why Late Sowing Works

• Warm soil = faster germination
• Long daylight hours = fast growth
• Cooler autumn temperatures = better flavour for some veg (like kale, chard, and carrots)
• Avoid gluts by spreading harvests over more months
• Maximise growing space after early crops are cleared

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? Top 12 Vegetables to Sow Now for Autumn Harvests

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1. Lettuce & Salad Leaves

Quick to germinate and easy to grow, salad crops are ideal for late sowings.

Best types:

• Lollo Rosso
• Little Gem
• Oakleaf
• Rocket
• Mizuna
• Mustard greens

Sow until: Early September
Harvest from: 4–6 weeks after sowing
Tip: Provide partial shade and regular watering to avoid bolting in hot weather.

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2. Radishes

One of the fastest-growing crops — perfect for filling gaps!

Varieties to try:

• French Breakfast
• Scarlet Globe
• Sparkler

Sow until: Late August
Harvest from: 3–4 weeks after sowing
Tip: Sow every two weeks for a continuous supply.

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3. Beetroot

Beetroot sown now will provide small to medium roots and tasty baby leaves.

Best varieties:

• Boltardy
• Pablo F1

Sow until: End of July
Harvest from: September onwards
Tip: Water consistently to avoid woody roots.

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4. Carrots

You can still sow quick-growing carrot varieties now and enjoy them before frost.

Try:

• Early Nantes
• Amsterdam Forcing

Sow until: End of July
Harvest from: October
Tip: Protect late sowings from carrot fly with mesh or fleece.

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5. Turnips

A fast-growing and underused autumn root veg.

Varieties to sow:

• Purple Top Milan
• Tokyo Cross

Sow until: Late August
Harvest from: 6–8 weeks
Bonus: You can also eat the tasty greens!

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6. Kale

Kale thrives in cooler temperatures and actually tastes sweeter after a light frost.

Great varieties:

• Nero di Toscana
• Dwarf Green Curled

Sow until: Early August
Harvest from: Autumn through to early spring
Tip: Net against cabbage white butterflies while young.

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7. Pak Choi

Quick to grow and perfect for stir-fries and salads.

Sow until: Mid-August
Harvest from: 5–6 weeks
Tip: Grow in partial shade and keep moist to reduce bolting.

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8. Spring Onions

Great for interplanting and handy in the kitchen.

Best types:

• White Lisbon
• Ishikura

Sow until: End of August
Harvest from: October
Tip: Sow thickly and thin as needed.

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9. Spinach

Loves cooler weather and produces well into autumn.

Try:

• Giant Winter
• Red Kitten

Sow until: Late August
Harvest from: September onwards
Tip: Sow in partial shade during hot spells.

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10. Swiss Chard

Bright, hardy, and delicious, chard grows quickly and lasts through frost.

Popular varieties:

• Bright Lights
• Fordhook Giant

Sow until: Early August
Harvest from: Late summer to winter
Bonus: Pick individual leaves over time for extended cropping.

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11. Chinese Cabbage

A great substitute for traditional cabbage with a fast turnaround.

Sow until: August
Harvest from: 6–8 weeks
Tip: Protect from slugs and cover from direct sunlight.

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12. Mustard Greens & Land Cress

Spicy and hardy — great for salads and cooking.

Sow until: September
Harvest from: 4–6 weeks
Tip: These greens are frost tolerant and ideal for autumn salads.

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?️ Late Summer Sowing Tips

✅ Choose Fast-Growing or Cold-Tolerant Varieties

Look for varieties labelled “early,” “fast maturing,” “autumn harvest,” or “cold hardy.”

✅ Improve Soil Before Sowing

Add a light compost top-up or seaweed-based liquid feed to give late crops a good start.

✅ Keep Seedlings Moist

Late summer sun can dry out shallow-sown seeds. Water gently but often until established.

✅ Use Protection Where Needed

• Use fleece, shade netting or cloches to manage heat or protect from early frosts.
• Net brassicas to keep out cabbage whites.

✅ Plan Succession

Sow little and often (every 2–3 weeks) for continuous crops right into November.

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? What to Do With Your Autumn Harvest

• Make soups with turnips, beetroot, and chard
• Enjoy fresh salads from mustard greens, rocket, and lettuce
• Stir-fry your pak choi and kale
• Store root veg like beetroot and carrots in cool, dry conditions
• Freeze excess spinach and chard for winter use

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? Top 10 Questions About Sowing for Autumn Harvests

1. Can I really sow seeds in July and August?
Yes! Many quick-growing and cool-season crops thrive when sown in late summer.

2. What’s the best leafy veg to sow now?
Lettuce, spinach, kale, chard, mustard greens, and land cress are all excellent.

3. Can I sow carrots in July?
Yes — choose fast-maturing varieties and sow in early July for best results.

4. Are there any root vegetables I can sow now?
Definitely. Try beetroot, turnips, and carrots for an autumn harvest.

5. Do I need to feed these late crops?
It helps! Add compost or use a general-purpose liquid feed to support growth.

6. What should I grow in containers in late summer?
Lettuce, radishes, spinach, chard, and salad onions are perfect for pots.

7. Will pests still be a problem?
Yes — especially slugs and cabbage whites. Use fleece, netting, and slug protection.

8. Do I need to protect late crops from frost?
Some, yes. Use cloches or fleece as temperatures drop in October and November.

9. Can I use these crops for overwintering?
Yes — kale, chard, spinach, and land cress can keep growing into winter.

10. Is succession sowing still worth it in August?
Yes. Staggered sowings of salad crops can keep your harvest going until frost.

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? Conclusion: A Second Chance at Growing Success

Late summer sowing is one of the best-kept secrets in the gardening world. If you missed spring, or if you’ve just pulled up your first round of crops, July and August give you a golden opportunity to keep growing.

With a little planning and the right varieties, you can enjoy delicious vegetables well into autumn — and in some cases, right through winter.

So don’t let your growing space sit empty. Grab your seeds, prep your soil, and sow for a second wave of success. Your allotment or garden still has plenty to give!

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