I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to ‘slack off’ with my sowing once summer hits, leaving me with a sparse vegetable patch come the Autumn months. As I begin to harvest my beetroot, spinach, and kohl rabi, some empty spots of ground are appearing in my garden vegetable beds.
In my ongoing quest to become more organised. I thought I’d create a little guide each month to follow and I hope that others find it useful too! Hopefully this will keep me on track alongside bringing the allotment back up to scratch!
What can be sown this month?
- Spinach: Ideal for sowing in late summer; it will grow well into autumn and can be harvested throughout the winter.
- Lettuce (Autumn Varieties): Sow fast-growing varieties like ‘Winter Gem’ or ‘Arctic King’ for late autumn and winter harvests.
- Radishes: Quick-growing radishes can be sown for a late autumn harvest.
- Spring Onions: Varieties like ‘White Lisbon’ can be sown for an early crop next spring.
- Pak Choi: This fast-growing Asian green is perfect for sowing in August, and it prefers the cooler weather of late summer.
- Turnips: Sow turnips in August for a quick-growing crop that will be ready in autumn.
- Kale: Kale can be sown now for a late autumn harvest and will also overwinter for a crop in early spring.
- Beetroot: Some faster-growing varieties can still be sown for an autumn harvest.
- Mustard Greens: These are quick to grow and can be harvested in the cooler months.
- Swiss Chard: This can be sown in late summer and will provide a harvest well into the winter months.
- Coriander: This herb does well in cooler temperatures and can be sown now for a late-season crop.
- Winter Cabbage: Some varieties can be sown now for overwintering and a spring harvest.
- Carrots (Early Varieties): Sow quick-maturing varieties like ‘Nantes’ for an autumn harvest.
Important jobs for August
Harvesting!
- Tomatoes: Continue to pick ripe tomatoes regularly to encourage more fruiting.
- Cucumbers and Courgettes: Harvest regularly to prevent them from becoming too large and to encourage more growth.
- Beans and Peas: Pick regularly to keep the plants productive.
- Potatoes: Main-crop potatoes can be harvested once the foliage has died back.
- Onions and Garlic: If not already done, harvest and dry them for storage.
- Fruit: Harvest summer fruit like raspberries, blackberries, and apples and eat or preserve!
General Maintenance
- Watering: Keep on top of watering, especially in dry spells (yes I appreciate these are few and far between). Focus on the base of plants to encourage deep rooting.
- Weeding: Regular weeding is crucial to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
- Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the soil.
- Feeding: To promote flowering and fruiting, feed fruiting plants such as pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines with a high potash feed.
Pest and Disease Control
- Monitor for Pests: Keep an eye out for common summer pests like aphids, caterpillars, and slugs. Use organic methods like hand-picking, traps, or barriers.
- Blight Control: Watch for signs of potato and tomato blight. Remove and destroy affected foliage immediately.
- Powdery Mildew: This can be a problem in late summer. Ensure good air circulation around plants and remove affected leaves.
Pruning and Training
- Tomato Side-Shooting: Remove side shoots from tomatoes and pinch out the growing tips to encourage the remaining fruit to ripen.
- Beans and Peas: Remove old foliage and spent plants after harvesting to tidy up the garden and prevent disease build-up.
- Support: Check the supports for climbing beans, tomatoes, and other tall plants to ensure they can carry the weight of the crop.
Preparation for Autumn and Winter
- Soil Preparation: Clear spent crops and prepare the soil for autumn planting. Add compost or well-rotted manure to beds to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Green Manures: Sow green manure crops like clover or mustard to improve soil fertility and structure over the winter months.
- Plan for Winter Protection: Think about cold frames, cloches, or fleece to protect late crops from early frosts.
Seed Saving
- Collect Seeds: Save seeds from non-hybrid vegetables like peas, beans, and tomatoes for sowing next year.
Let me know how you’re getting on via instagram @sarah.diggingtheearth.org.uk
Sarah 🌻
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