Garlic Bed Freed Up? What to Sow in July for an Autumn Harvest
Once garlic and onions have been harvested, vegetable beds are often left empty — and quickly taken over by weeds. But there's still time in July to plant new crops and enjoy a fresh harvest come autumn.
Informator Kolomyia has more, citing Informator Kalush.
To get the most out of a bed after garlic or onions, ultra-early greens are a good option.
"Don't leave your garlic bed empty if you don't want it to be overrun with weeds right now. This bed can — and should — be used wisely. I do this every year," says Nataliya Borovych, a grower from Prykarpattia.
Spinach, rocket or dill work well here, since the shortening daylight hours mean these crops won't bolt the way they can in spring — and they'll produce a fresh harvest in as little as three weeks.
To improve soil quality, she recommends planting mustard to help fight off pests and disease, or phacelia to loosen up the soil.
"Every July I sow ultra-early cucumbers, and by September our family is already enjoying fresh fruit, once the spring bushes are past their best. I also sow radishes — in spring they often bolt, but sown now, ahead of winter, they'll form good-sized, well-shaped roots. It's a hot summer, so regular watering is essential," she added.
