If you’re an avid gardener or have taken it up as a new hobby, you may be wondering what the best plants and vegetables to plant or grow during the upcoming summer months are

From runner beans to courgettes and beetroots, there are plenty of options for vegetables you can sow during the summer months.

When it comes to plants, there’s also a wide variety of vibrant blooms, depending on your preference.

Here are 9 top tips for painting your fence, including when to do it, and which ...

If you’re an avid gardener or have taken it up as a new hobby, you may be wondering what the best plants and vegetables to plant or grow during the upcoming summer months are (Photo: Shutterstock) | Other 3rd Party

Here’s everything you need to know.

Which vegetables can I sow during summer?

Winter vegetables

If you’re a fan of winter veg, then you need to sow them during summer.

Sow winter cauliflower and late varieties of Brussels sprouts and leeks in outdoor seedbeds to transplant later.

You can also sow spring cabbage in July or August, and water them regularly.

Salad leaves

You can sow salad leaves throughout the summer period and harvest three weeks later.

Plant the seeds in pots and keep well watered. Cut the leaves when needed. The plants produce leaves until late autumn.

Runner beans

Sow them in April to July. Harvest after two months. Give them plenty of space and train them onto wires or a plant support frame. Keep them well watered and you will get a constant supply in summer.

Regular picking is essential.

Courgettes

Plant out in late May into well-prepared ground. One or two plants are usually plenty and they stay productive for weeks, but only if you keep picking them - otherwise they will turn into marrows.

Beetroot

Sow beetroot seeds 5cm apart, from late April to July. Remove alternate roots when they are half-grown, leaving the rest to grow on to reach maturity. Even these half-grown thinnings are useful and can be eaten as baby beet in salads.

Which plants can I grow during summer?

Begonia

Begonia is one of the most versatile summer bedding plants, and are known for their large blooms and vibrant colours.

They also have the ability to thrive in both sun and shade, and flower continuously throughout summer up to the first frosts.

Begonia bedding plants can either be upright or trailing. They are suitable for beds, borders, hanging baskets and window boxes.

Petunias

Petunias are popular summer bedding plants and come in a variety of bright colours and patterns.

These can be trailing or upright, and can be planted in hanging baskets, window boxes and containers, or massed in beds and borders.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are easy to grow and are not attractive to slugs. They are fairly drought resistant and do not require much in way of deadheading.

They are happy on poor soils so no need to feed them. They are attractive to bees and pollinators, so they are also ideal companion plants for the vegetable plot.

Plants and vegetables you can grow in summer - including beetroot and courgette