Step-by-Step: What to Sow in Summer – A Full Guide

When the weather warms up and gardens are in full bloom, it might seem like planting season is over. But in fact, summer is a fantastic time to sow a second wave of seeds to extend your harvest into autumn and beyond.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore what to sow in summer, the best vegetables, herbs, and flowers to plant, and top tips for successful summer sowing.

Why Sow Seeds in Summer?

There are many benefits to summer sowing:

Succession planting: Keep crops coming for longer harvests.
Fill gaps: Replace harvested spring crops like radishes and lettuce.
Take advantage of warm soil: Faster germination and strong early growth.
Prepare for autumn and winter harvests: Many hardy vegetables benefit from summer sowing.

With the right choices, you can keep your garden productive well beyond summer!

Factors to Consider When Sowing in Summer

Successful summer sowing requires a few extra considerations:

Soil Moisture

Summer soil dries out faster — sow during cooler parts of the day and water well.

Shade and Protection

Young seedlings are vulnerable to strong sun; consider temporary shading or sowing in partial shade.

Quick Germination

Warm soil temperatures encourage rapid germination — check seed packets for best sowing times.

Pest Watch

Summer pests like aphids and flea beetles can damage tender seedlings — stay vigilant.

Vegetables to Sow in Early Summer (June)

Early summer is perfect for fast-maturing crops.

Best vegetables to sow in June:

French beans: Quick-growing and prolific.
Beetroot: Great for salads and storing.
Chard: Tolerates heat and continues into autumn.
Carrots: Sow quick-maturing varieties.
Radishes: Ready in just 3–4 weeks.
Spring onions: Mild and easy to grow.
Lettuce: Choose heat-tolerant varieties like ‘Little Gem’.

Tip: Water sowings well and mulch to retain moisture.

Vegetables to Sow in Mid-Summer (July)

As temperatures peak, focus on hardy, fast-maturing crops.

Best vegetables to sow in July:

Turnips: Quick-growing and delicious young.
Kale: Sow for autumn and winter harvesting.
Pak choi: Great for late-season stir-fries.
Spinach: Choose bolt-resistant varieties.
Kohlrabi: A quirky, quick-growing veg for cool-season harvests.
Dwarf beans: Perfect for pots and small spaces.

Tip: Use shade cloths over new sowings if heatwaves hit.

Vegetables to Sow in Late Summer (August)

Late summer sowing sets you up for autumn and winter crops.

Best vegetables to sow in August:

Autumn carrots: Choose late-season varieties.
Winter spinach: Sow for leaves through winter.
Mustard greens: Hardy and fast-growing.
Mizuna and Oriental greens: Great for salads and stir-fries.
Broccoli raab (Rapini): Quick to mature and tasty.

Tip: Focus on cool-loving crops that thrive as temperatures drop.

Herbs to Sow in Summer

Summer is also a great time to sow certain herbs.

Best herbs to sow in summer:

Coriander: Best sown after midsummer to avoid bolting.
Dill: Sow for fresh, aromatic leaves.
Parsley: Start new plants for an autumn-winter supply.
Basil: Continue sowing for fresh summer harvests.

Tip: Water herb seedlings carefully and protect from drying winds.

Flowers to Sow in Summer

Sow flowers in summer to brighten your garden into autumn or prepare for next spring.

Best flowers to sow in summer:

Calendula: Hardy and quick to flower.
Nigella (Love-in-a-mist): Beautiful blue blooms.
Cornflowers: Sow now for late blooms.
Wallflowers: Sow now to plant out in autumn for spring flowering.

Tip: Deadhead regularly to keep annual flowers blooming longer.

Quick Reference: What to Sow Each Month in Summer

Month	Vegetables	Herbs	Flowers
June	French beans, beetroot, chard	Basil, coriander	Calendula, cornflowers
July	Turnips, kale, pak choi	Dill, parsley	Nigella, calendula
August	Spinach, mustard greens, carrots	Coriander, parsley	Wallflowers, forget-me-nots

Tips for Successful Summer Sowing

Water Wisely

Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.

Thin Seedlings

Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to poor airflow and disease.

Shade New Sowing

Use cloches, shade cloth, or temporary covers to protect young plants from strong sun.

Mulch

Mulching helps keep soil cool and moist.

Succession Sow

Sow small amounts every two weeks to extend your harvest period.

Common Summer Sowing Mistakes to Avoid

Sowing at midday: Hot soil can inhibit germination.
Using old seeds: Fresh seeds have the best germination rates.
Neglecting pests: Monitor regularly and protect seedlings if necessary.
Ignoring soil preparation: Rake and level soil before sowing for even germination.

Tip: Plan ahead to leave space for autumn and winter crops!

Conclusion: Keep Your Garden Growing All Summer Long

Summer sowing is the secret to a long, productive gardening season.
By choosing the right crops, adjusting your planting techniques, and caring for seedlings in warmer conditions, you’ll enjoy fresh harvests well into autumn — and even winter!
Use this guide to know what to sow in summer and keep your garden thriving for months to come.