If you’ve blinked and suddenly realised you’ve missed the ideal time to sow your veg or flowers, don’t panic.
Just because the “perfect” planting window has passed doesn’t mean your garden plans are doomed. In fact, plenty of fast growers, heat lovers, and late starters will still give you colour, food, or greenery with time to spare. Here are some things you can still plant, even if the calendar says you’re running late. Don’t lose hope just yet!
1. Radishes
Radishes grow ridiculously fast, with some varieties ready to pick in just three to four weeks. They’re perfect for late starters and can be sown repeatedly right into early autumn for a steady crop. They don’t mind cooler nights either, so if you’re pushing into late summer, they’ll still do well. Just make sure they get enough sun, and keep the soil moist to stop them going woody.
2. Lettuce
Lettuce is forgiving and grows well in cooler temperatures, so even if spring has flown by, you can still get a few good rounds in before autumn. Loose-leaf types like ‘Salad Bowl’ or ‘Lollo Rosso’ are especially speedy. You can cut what you need as it grows, which makes it great for small gardens or containers. Keep it watered during hot spells and give it a bit of shade if the sun gets too intense.
3. Spring onions
Even if it’s midsummer, spring onions will still happily get going. They don’t need much room and aren’t fussy, so they’re ideal for filling gaps or chucking into a container. They grow quicker in warmer weather, and you can harvest them young if you’re short on time. Sow a few seeds every couple of weeks and you’ll always have something fresh to pull up.
4. Pak choi
This leafy veg is ideal for late planting. It prefers cooler days and shorter daylight hours, so summer’s end is actually a good time to sow it. Just keep the soil moist to stop it bolting. Pak choi grows fast and doesn’t need babying, making it great for gardeners who’ve missed earlier windows. Eat it young in salads or let it bulk up for stir-fries—it’s versatile and generous.
5. Beetroot
Beetroot is more flexible than people think. It’s happy to be sown from spring through to mid-summer, and even a late batch can still give you a decent harvest before the cold sets in. The roots may stay small if frost hits early, but the leaves are edible too—tender and tasty in salads or cooked like spinach. So even a “half-finished” crop won’t go to waste.
6. Swiss chard
Swiss chard is hardy, colourful, and grows well from late sowings. It doesn’t mind cooler nights and can keep going right through autumn, even surviving into early winter with a bit of protection. The best part? You can keep harvesting the outer leaves as it grows. It’s a reliable fallback crop if your spring planting didn’t happen, and it’s beautiful enough to sneak into your flowerbeds, too.
7. Carrots (early or baby varieties)
If you go for quick-maturing or baby carrot types, you can still sneak in a round before the season ends. Sow them in loose, well-drained soil and keep them evenly watered for best results. Even if they don’t get massive, you’ll still end up with sweet, snackable roots. They also handle light frosts pretty well, so they’re a good bet for pushing the boundaries of your planting schedule.
8. Turnips
Turnips grow fast and are surprisingly low-effort. You can eat both the greens and the roots, and they’re great for sowing in summer for a late autumn harvest. Smaller varieties like ‘Tokyo Cross’ mature quickly and don’t need much space. They’re a smart option if your early sowing plans got away from you, but you still want something to pull up and enjoy.
9. Kale
Kale thrives in cooler weather, so even if you’re planting late, you’re actually setting it up for success. Sow in late summer, and it’ll keep growing well into winter if you give it a bit of shelter. It’s tough, productive, and comes in loads of varieties. Whether you like curly types or flat-leaf ones, kale’s a safe choice for last-minute gardeners who want something to harvest when other veg have given up.
10. Coriander
This herb bolts easily in summer heat, so planting it later actually gives you a better crop. Cooler nights mean slower growth—and that’s exactly what coriander needs to stay leafy and usable for longer. It grows quickly from seed and doesn’t need much attention. Just give it regular water and a bit of sun, and you’ll have fresh flavour on hand when most herbs are starting to wind down.
11. Rocket (arugula)
Rocket is a go-to for late planting. It’s quick, loves cooler weather, and has a strong flavour that adds punch to any salad. It’s also super easy to grow in pots or narrow beds. Sow it thinly and keep it watered to prevent it from going bitter. If you stagger your sowings every couple of weeks, you’ll have a constant supply of peppery leaves well into autumn.
12. Nasturtiums
These cheerful flowers grow fast and don’t mind being planted a bit late. They’ll still flower through summer and into autumn, especially if you keep deadheading them. The leaves and flowers are edible too—peppery and bright in salads. They’re great for filling gaps in beds or containers, and they don’t need rich soil to perform. In fact, too much fuss will make them leafy with fewer flowers. Keep it simple and they’ll reward you.
13. Calendula (pot marigold)
Calendula seeds germinate quickly and bloom even when planted later in the season. They’re perfect for adding a burst of colour when other flowers are starting to fade. They’ll even keep going through mild autumns, especially if you pinch off spent blooms. As a bonus, they’re edible and have mild skin-soothing properties, so they’re handy to grow even if you’re behind schedule.
14. Green manure crops (like clover or phacelia)
If you’re not sure what to grow, or don’t think there’s time for much—consider sowing a green manure crop. These plants grow quickly, cover bare soil, and help improve its condition over winter. You can dig them in later to boost fertility naturally. It’s a great option if you’ve missed your veg window but still want your soil to do something useful before next spring.