#560 The Most Exciting Seeds to Sow in July

The Veg Grower Podcast

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Veg Grower Podcast! In this episode, Richard, our dedicated host, dives deep into the seeds to sow in July, shares the seed of the month, and introduces a mouth-watering recipe from Chef Scott. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable tips and actionable advice to help you make the most of your garden this month. Let’s break down the key points discussed in the episode and explore each tip in detail.

Seed of the Month: Gourmet Loose Leaf Lettuce

Why Gourmet Loose Leaf Lettuce?

Richard kicks off the episode by highlighting the seed of the month: gourmet loose leaf lettuce. This variety is celebrated for its ease of growth and versatility in the kitchen. Loose leaf lettuce is perfect for gardeners of all levels, offering a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.

Tips for Growing Gourmet Loose Leaf Lettuce

• Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Loose leaf lettuce thrives in fertile soil with good moisture retention.
• Sowing Seeds: Sow the seeds directly into the ground or in containers. Space the seeds about 1 inch apart and cover them lightly with soil.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Lettuce has shallow roots, so regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells.
• Thinning: Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them to allow about 6 inches of space between plants. This ensures adequate air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.
• Harvesting: Harvest the outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. This method, known as “cut-and-come-again,” provides a continuous supply of fresh lettuce.

Special Offer

Richard also mentions a discount code VEGPOD10 for purchasing seeds from Premier Seeds Direct, making it easier for listeners to get started with their gourmet loose leaf lettuce.

What Seeds to Sow in July

July is a busy month in the garden, and Richard provides a comprehensive list of seeds to sow in July. Here’s a detailed look at each category:

Salad Greens

• Varieties: Lettuce, rocket, spinach, and mustard greens.
• Tips: Sow in succession every two weeks to ensure a continuous harvest. Use shade cloth to protect from intense summer heat.

Radishes

• Varieties: French Breakfast, Cherry Belle, and White Icicle.
• Tips: Radishes grow quickly and can be harvested in as little as 4 weeks. Sow in well-drained soil and keep consistently moist.

Spring Onions

• Varieties: White Lisbon and Ishikura.
• Tips: Sow directly into the ground or in containers. Thin seedlings to about 1 inch apart for optimal growth.

Beetroots

• Varieties: Boltardy and Detroit Dark Red.
• Tips: Sow in rows about 12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart to allow room for the roots to develop.

Herbs

• Varieties: Basil, parsley, dill, and coriander.
• Tips: Sow in well-drained soil and provide plenty of sunlight. Regularly pinch back the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.

Winter Vegetables

• Varieties: Cauliflowers, cabbages, and swedes.
• Tips: Start these seeds indoors or in a sheltered area. Transplant seedlings to their final positions once they are strong enough.

The Importance of Herbs in a Vegetable Garden

Richard emphasizes the role of herbs in a vegetable garden. Not only do they enhance the flavor of your dishes, but they also attract beneficial insects and can act as natural pest repellents.

Sowing and Caring for Herbs

• Basil: Prefers warm conditions and plenty of sunlight. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
• Parsley: Can be grown in partial shade. Keep the soil moist and harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
• Dill: Sow directly into the ground. Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
• Coriander: Best sown in cooler conditions. Provide partial shade and keep the soil moist.

Supporters Club: Benefits and How to Join

Richard introduces the Supporters Club, highlighting the exclusive benefits members receive. By joining, you support the podcast and gain access to:

• Monthly Seed Pack: Receive a curated selection of seeds each month.
• Behind-the-Scenes Podcasts: Enjoy exclusive content and insights from Richard’s gardening journey.
• Discounts and Offers: Get special discounts on gardening products and seeds.

Joining the Supporters Club is a great way to enhance your gardening experience while supporting the podcast.

Join our supporters club

Chef Scott’s Recipe: Summer Cabbage Side Dish

Chef Scott shares a delightful recipe for a simple side dish using summer cabbage. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe:

Ingredients

• Summer cabbage
• Smoked bacon
• Fresh dill
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Preparation: Shred the summer cabbage and chop the smoked bacon into small pieces.
2. Cooking: In a large pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Add the shredded cabbage and cook until tender.
3. Finishing Touches: Stir in fresh dill and a dollop of sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serving: Serve warm as a side dish or a light main course.

For more details, visit the recipe page or Chef Scott’s Instagram page.

Richard’s Garden Tour: Insights and Tips

Richard provides a detailed tour of his back garden, offering a wealth of information on his gardening practices. Here are some highlights:

Garden Layout and Features

• Shed and Water Butts: Essential for storing tools and collecting rainwater.
• Balcony Garden and Nursery Area: Ideal for starting seeds and growing plants in containers.
• Vegetable Beds and Raised Beds: Organized for efficient planting and easy maintenance.
• Trellis with Grapevine: Perfect for vertical gardening and maximizing space.
• Underground Composting System: Efficient way to recycle kitchen waste and enrich the soil.

Current Gardening Activities

• Sowing Vegetable Spaghetti Seeds: A fun and unique variety to try.
• Growing Cabbages and Cauliflowers: Tips on spacing and care.
• Hanging Baskets of Tumbling Tomatoes and Strawberries: Great for small spaces and adding visual interest.
• Auto Pot System for Tomatoes: Ensures consistent watering and reduces maintenance.
• Herb Garden and Raspberry Beds: Essential for fresh, homegrown flavors.

Listener Feedback and Tips

Richard shares valuable tips from listeners, including:

• Mulching in Hot Weather: Helps prevent water loss and keeps plants cool.
• Using a Water Barrow: Makes watering more efficient and less labor-intensive.

Connect with the Veg Grower Podcast

Richard encourages listeners to connect with the podcast through their website, where you can leave a voicemail or comment on the blog post. Although the forums have been closed due to spam, you can still engage with the community by leaving comments and joining the Supporters Club.

Stay Connected

• Website:
• Social Media: Follow the Veg Grower Podcast on social media for updates and gardening tips.

Conclusion

This episode of the Veg Grower Podcast is packed with valuable information for gardeners of all levels. From the seed of the month to detailed sowing tips and a delicious recipe, Richard and Chef Scott provide a wealth of knowledge to help you make the most of your garden in July. Don’t forget to join the Supporters Club for exclusive benefits and stay connected with the podcast for more gardening inspiration. Happy gardening!

Time stamps for this episode

Timestamps

Seed of the Month: Lettuce (00:00:50)
Richard discusses the seed of the month, gourmet loose leaf lettuce, and provides tips for sowing and caring for this variety.

Supporters Club Benefits (00:08:21)
Richard explains the benefits of joining the Supporters Club, including access to behind-the-scenes podcasts and a monthly seed pack.

Sowing Salad Crops (00:10:32)
Richard discusses sowing various salad crops such as speedy mixes, texel greens, oriental vegetables, and radishes for continuous supply.

Winter Vegetables and Herbs (00:15:01)
Richard covers sowing winter vegetables like cauliflowers, cabbages, and swede, as well as the importance of growing herbs.

Recipe: Summer Cabbage with Smoked Bacon (00:19:20)
Chef Scott shares a simple recipe for a side dish using summer cabbage, smoked bacon, dill, and sour cream.

Garden Tour (00:21:10)
Richard takes the audience on a tour of his home garden, providing updates on the current activities.

Shed and Garden Layout (00:21:27)
Richard describes the layout of his garden, including the shed, water butts, and nursery area for seedlings.

Patio Gardening and Plans (00:23:31)
Richard discusses the transformation of his patio area into a space for entertaining and outdoor workshops.

Vegetable Beds and Composting (00:28:47)
Richard details the contents of his vegetable beds, including onions, peas, brassicas, and his underground composting system.

Greenhouse and Gardening Tips (00:37:37)
Richard provides an overview of his greenhouse, mentioning tomato and cucumber plants, as well as sharing a gardening tip from a listener.

Forum Shutdown (00:42:01)
Richard discusses the shutdown of the forums on the website due to spam and encourages leaving comments on blog posts.

Supporters Club (00:42:01)
Richard invites listeners to consider becoming a member of the Supporters Club for exclusive benefits.

Conclusion (00:42:35)
The episode concludes with a reminder to take care, signalling the end of the podcast.