Veg crops to sow in summer

All crops can be sown outdoors in summer - a small, well-prepared seed bed is ideal. Expensive varieties can be sown in modules, trays or pots to protect against losses from pests such as slugs.

Here are some of the crops that you can sow in summer, for crops right through to early spring next year.

Leafy salads

Sow radicchio in June or July, and use the thinnings as baby salad leaves. Leave the remaining plants at their final spacing to 'heart up' in late autumn - the red colour of the leaves develops once the nights turn cold.

Winter veg

Sow winter cauliflower, purple sprouting broccoli, late varieties of Brussels sprouts and leeks in outdoor seedbeds to transplant later. Sow spring cabbage in July or August, and water them regularly.

Early spring veg

Choose kale 'Pentland Brig' for a traditional curly variety or 'Black Tuscany' for a more peppery taste. Sow, thin out, then transplant seedlings to their final positions when big enough.