Summer is in full swing, and your allotment is bursting with life. June and July are busy months for gardeners — it’s all about keeping on top of planting, watering, and harvesting.

Here’s a brief guide to help you make the most of your plot through the early summer months.

🌱 What to Sow Now (for Later Harvests)

Even though summer is here, there’s still plenty you can sow for a productive autumn harvest — and even into winter.

Seeds to sow in June & July:

• Carrots (early July) – for late autumn crops. Choose fast-maturing varieties.
• Beetroot – sow little and often to extend your harvest into autumn.
• French beans – bush varieties do well when sown in early July.
• Spring onions – ideal for quick pickings in a couple of months.
• Chard & perpetual spinach – great for year-round cropping.
• Kale & winter brassicas – sow now for sturdy winter vegetables.
• Pak choi & other Asian greens – perfect for sowing in July for autumn use.
• Lettuce & salad leaves – choose heat-tolerant varieties and keep sowing every few weeks.

🛠️ Essential Summer Jobs

Your allotment will need regular attention now to stay productive and tidy:

• Watering – Early morning or late evening watering is best. Focus on the base of the plants to encourage deep root growth. Watering deeply once or twice a week is better than a daily sprinkle.
• Weeding – Weeds grow fast in summer. Keep on top of them to avoid competition for water and nutrients.
• Feeding – Hungry crops like tomatoes, courgettes, and cucumbers benefit from regular feeding with a high-potash feed.
• Supporting plants – Tie in tall crops like tomatoes, peas, and beans as they grow.
• Pest watch – Look out for slugs, aphids, and cabbage white butterflies. Use netting, companion planting, or organic deterrents to keep pests at bay.
• Mulching – Apply mulch around your plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

🥕 Harvest Time – What’s Ready Now?

There’s nothing better than harvesting your own fresh veg straight from the plot. In June and July, you can start to enjoy the rewards of your spring efforts.

Ready to harvest:

• New potatoes – dig them up as needed for the best flavour.
• Broad beans & peas – pick regularly to keep them producing.
• Lettuce, rocket, and salad leaves – harvest frequently for tender leaves.
• Radishes – quick growers that can be harvested within weeks.
• Spinach & chard – take outer leaves to encourage continuous growth.
• Courgettes – pick small for the best texture and taste.
• Strawberries, raspberries & gooseberries – keep an eye out for ripening fruit and pick promptly.
• Garlic & onions – start lifting when leaves yellow and fall over.

🌿 Final Tips

• Keep sowing little and often for a continuous supply.
• Use shade netting over tender crops during heatwaves.
• Plan ahead for autumn planting while enjoying the summer bounty.

With a bit of care and attention, your plot will keep you well stocked through summer and beyond. Happy growing!