What To Grow In A Greenhouse in July

As the summer sun reaches its peak, July presents UK hobby greenhouse gardeners with a plethora of opportunities to cultivate a vibrant array of crops. With the right selection of plants and careful attention to care and maintenance, your greenhouse can be a thriving oasis of fresh produce throughout the month. In this comprehensive guide, our What To Grow In A Greenhouse in July blog will explore the best plants to plant in July, focusing on varieties suitable for greenhouse cultivation, including options for small greenhouse spaces. We’ll also cover crops to harvest from the greenhouse in July, essential tips for feeding and watering, and common pests and diseases to watch out for. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned pro, let’s dive into the dynamic world of greenhouse gardening in July.

What To Grow In A Greenhouse in July

French Beans: Planting French beans in July offers UK gardeners the opportunity to enjoy a delicious and abundant harvest later in the season. French beans, also known as green beans or string beans, thrive in the warm summer temperatures and can be sown directly into the greenhouse soil or in containers. Choose a sunny spot in the greenhouse with well-draining soil, and sow the seeds at a depth of about one to two inches, spacing them approximately four to six inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide support for the growing vines as they climb. With proper care and attention, French beans planted in July will reward you with tender, flavourful pods ready for harvest in late summer or early autumn, adding a fresh and nutritious addition to your culinary creations.

Winter Cabbage: Planting winter cabbage in July is a strategic move as it extends harvesting into the colder months. By sowing cabbage seeds or transplanting seedlings in July, gardeners can take advantage of the warm summer weather to establish robust plants before the onset of winter. Winter cabbage varieties such as ‘January King’ and ‘Savoy Perfection’ thrive in cooler temperatures, making them ideal for planting in July. Ensure plants receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to promote healthy growth and development. With proper care and attention, July-planted winter cabbage will mature just in time to provide a hearty harvest during the winter months, adding a nutritious and delicious addition to cold-weather meals.

Turnips: Planting turnips in July offers opportunity to enjoy a versatile and nutritious crop later in the year. While turnips are traditionally grown for their roots, planting them in July also allows for the consumption of their tender and flavourful leaves. To plant turnips in July, either plant in pots in the greenhouse if you are only interested in harvesting the leaves, or prepare a well-draining soil bed in a sunny location and direct sow turnip seeds thinly at a depth of about half an inch.

Keep the soil consistently moist and provide adequate spacing between plants to promote healthy growth. As the turnips mature, thin them out to allow space for the remaining plants to develop fully. Harvest the tender young leaves for use in salads, stir-fries, or soups, while allowing the roots to continue growing until they reach their desired size for harvesting later in the season. With careful attention to planting and maintenance, turnips planted in July can provide a delicious and nutritious addition to your summer and autumn meals.

Herbs: In July a variety of herbs including basil, parsley and coriander can be planted in the greenhouses. These aromatic herbs thrive in the warm, sheltered environment of a greenhouse, providing a continuous supply of fresh flavours for culinary creations. Basil, with its fragrant leaves and robust flavour, is best planted in pots or containers filled with well-draining soil, ensuring plenty of sunlight and regular watering for optimal growth. Parsley, known for its vibrant green foliage and versatile use in dishes, can be sown directly into greenhouse beds or containers, keeping the soil consistently moist until germination occurs. Coriander, prized for its citrusy, earthy flavour, thrives in the cooler temperatures of a well-ventilated greenhouse and can be planted in shallow trays of pots, ensuring a steady harvest of aromatic leaves throughout the summer months. With proper care and attention, these herbs will flourish in the greenhouse, providing an abundance of fresh flavours for culinary delights.

Salad Crops: Planting salad crops in July offers the opportunity to enjoy a continuous harvest of fresh, crisp greens throughout the summer and into the autumn. While some may think it’s too late to sow salad crops in July, many varieties can still be planted for a late-season bounty. Opt for quick-maturing varieties such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, and radishes, which thrive in the warm temperatures of summer. Sow seeds directly into well-prepared soil or plant seedlings in containers or raised beds within the greenhouse. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide adequate sunlight to encourage rapid germination and growth. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a steady supply of homegrown salads straight from your greenhouse well into the autumn months.

Crops to Harvest from the Greenhouse in July

Tomatoes: Enjoy a bounty of ripe, juicy tomatoes harvested from the greenhouse in July. From cherry tomatoes to beefsteak varieties, your greenhouse will be bursting with flavourful fruits ready for salads, sandwiches, and sauces.

Cucumbers: Harvest crisp, crunchy cucumbers from the greenhouse throughout July for refreshing summer snacks and salads. Pick cucumbers when they are firm and at their peak of freshness for the best flavour and texture.

Peppers and Chillies: As peppers and chillies continue to ripen in the warmth of July, harvest these spicy delights for adding heat and flavour to your favourite dishes. Pick peppers and chillies when they reach their desired colour and size for optimal taste and texture.

Feeding and Watering

With the heat of July in full swing, it’s essential to maintain consistent watering and feeding schedules to keep greenhouse plants healthy and productive. Water plants thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Use a balanced fertilizer to provide essential nutrients, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for application rates and frequency.

Common Pests and Diseases

July brings a host of common pests and diseases that can plague greenhouse crops if left unchecked. Keep an eye out for aphids, whitefly, and spider mites, which thrive in warm, sheltered environments. Regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation, and employ organic pest control methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to keep populations in check. Additionally, monitor for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis, which can spread rapidly in humid conditions.

FAQs

Can I still plant seeds in July in the greenhouse?

Yes, many crops can still be planted from seed in July, including fast-maturing vegetables like salad greens, radishes, and spring onions.

How often should I water greenhouse plants in July?

Watering frequency will vary depending on factors such as plant type, pot size, and environmental conditions. Check soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

What should I do if I notice signs of pests or diseases in my greenhouse?

Act promptly to address pest or disease issues by removing affected plants, treating with appropriate control methods, and implementing preventive measures such as improving airflow and hygiene practices.

In conclusion, when thinking about what to grow in a greenhouse in July, then July is a bustling month for greenhouse gardeners in the UK, with plenty of planting opportunities and abundant harvests to enjoy. By following these tips and guidelines for planting, feeding, watering, and pest management, you can ensure a successful and rewarding growing season in your greenhouse.