Monthly growing advice
What to sow and plant in August
The information on sowing and planting given here is for everyone from the south of England to the north of Scotland. Growing conditions can vary dramatically across the country, and even within a locality. If you are new to growing and are unsure about exactly what to do when, try asking other vegetable growers nearby. And be guided by the weather and soil conditions.
Sow onion seeds in August. Sets can be planted in September.
Sow outdoors
- Amaranth M - For leaf production
- Chicory - Red and Sugarloaf
- Chinese Cabbage M - Do not transplant from a seedbed - either sow direct or in modules
- Kale M
- Kohl rabi M
- Lambs Lettuce or Corn Salad M - Very hardy winter salad with a soft texture and mild flavour. Lasts well throughout the winter, and when it flowers next spring the flowers can be eaten too.
- Land cress or American cress M - Makes an excellent substitute for watercress and is very hardy, usually surviving even the toughest winter.
- Winter Lettuce M - Sow winter varieties for harvesting in November and December.
- Onions (autumn-sown Japanese onions) - Sow seed in August. Try Senshyu Yellow, or Keepwell to harvest next June. Sets can be planted in September.
- Onions, salad - Winter varieties from August onwards.
- Oriental greens
- Pak Choi M
- Peas - Last chance for autumn harvest. Sow a quick, 'early' variety such as Douce Provence or Meteor.
- Radish, mooli
- Radish, winter - Sow winter varieties such as China Rose and Black Spanish.
- Rocket
- Spinach perpetual M
- Spring cabbage
- Swiss or rainbow chard M
- Turnip
- Winter purslane, Claytonia or Miner's lettuce M - A very hardy winter salad. Produces small, mild tasting, succulent leaves. Sow direct until end of the month.
Note
M - these plants resent root disturbance and are best raised in module trays only
