August is a critical month in the gardening calendar as summer reaches its peak.
It's time to think about both harvesting the fruits of your labour and planning for autumn and winter crops. Here are some vegetables that you can successfully plant in August to give you a bumper harvest to look forward in the next few months:
1. Spinach
Spinach is an excellent vegetable to sow in August. It thrives in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for the approaching autumn weather.
Planting Tips:
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Location: Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot.
Soil: Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and well-drained. - Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the ground, spaced about 1 inch apart in rows 12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use a Net Easy Tunnel to prevent the crop bolting in strong sunlight.
2. Radishes
Radishes are quick-growing and can be harvested in as little as four weeks, making them perfect for a late summer sowing.
Planting Tips:
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Location: Radishes prefer full sun.
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Soil: Loose, fertile, and well-drained soil is best.
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Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the ground at a depth of about 1/2 inch, spaced 1 inch apart in rows 6 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use Insect Netting or Mesh Easy Tunnel to protect from flea beetle.
3. Lettuce
Various types of lettuce, including loose-leaf, butterhead, and romaine, can be sown in August.
Planting Tips:
- Location: A sunny spot that offers some shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost.
- Sowing: Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 1/4 inch. Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart for loose-leaf varieties and 10-12 inches for other types.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use Bird Netting to protect from Pigeons.
4. Carrots
Late varieties of carrots can be planted in August for harvesting in late autumn.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Full sun.
- Soil: Light, sandy, and well-drained soil. Avoid heavy clay soils.
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the ground at a depth of about 1/2 inch, in rows 12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to about 3 inches apart.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use Eco-Green Micromesh to protect from Carrot Fly.
5. Beetroot
Beetroot is another excellent choice for August sowing. It can be harvested in autumn or left in the ground for a later harvest.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Full sun or partial shade.
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the ground at a depth of about 1 inch, spaced 4 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use a Speedhoe Precision to weed between rows without damaging crops.
6. Spring Onions
Spring onions can be sown in August for an autumn harvest. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Sowing: Sow seeds thinly at a depth of about 1/2 inch. Thin seedlings to about 1 inch apart.
Knowle Nets Tip: Companion plant alongside carrots to deter pests.
7. Turnips
Turnips are a quick-growing root vegetable that can be sown in August for a late autumn harvest.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Full sun or partial shade.
- Soil: Moist, fertile soil.
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the ground at a depth of about 1/2 inch, spaced 4 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use a Fleece Easy tunnel to keep the soil moist and protect from pests.
8. Kale
Kale is a hardy vegetable that thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for planting in August.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Full sun or partial shade.
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the ground at a depth of about 1/2 inch. Thin seedlings to about 18 inches apart for larger varieties and 12 inches for smaller ones.
Knowle Nets Tip: Regular picking encourages more growth.
9. Pak Choi
Pak choi, also known as bok choy, is a quick-growing leafy green that can be sown in August for an autumn harvest.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Full sun or partial shade.
- Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the ground at a depth of about 1/2 inch. Thin seedlings to about 6 inches apart.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use Fleece or Micromesh to protect from Flea beetle.
10. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile leafy green that can be sown in August for both autumn and winter harvests.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Full sun or partial shade.
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
- Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the ground at a depth of about 1 inch. Thin seedlings to about 12 inches apart.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use Birdscare to deter pigeons.
11. Cabbages
Late varieties of cabbages can be sown in August for a winter harvest.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Full sun.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil.
- Sowing: Start seeds in a seed tray or directly into the ground. Transplant seedlings to about 18 inches apart when they are large enough to handle.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use a crop cage with insect net to protect from Cabbage White Butterfly.
12. Broccoli
Broccoli is another vegetable that can be planted in August for a late autumn to winter harvest.
Planting Tips:
- Location: Full sun.
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil.
- Sowing: Start seeds in a seed tray or directly into the ground. Transplant seedlings to about 18 inches apart.
Knowle Nets Tip: Use a Vegetable Cage to protect throughout the winter.
Although many of us assume that Spring is the only busy time for vegetable growing, August is actually a very versatile month for planting. By selecting the right vegetables and following a few tips on planting and care, you can enjoy a productive harvest in the coming months. Whether you’re looking to enjoy fresh salads, hearty root vegetables, or nutrient-packed leafy greens, there are plenty of options to keep your garden productive and vibrant as summer transitions into autumn. Happy gardening!
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