What I'm Sowing In August
An allotment growing guide and planner.
Hello fellow gardeners,
August is upon us, bringing warm days and warm nights, perfect for sowing a variety of crops to ensure a bountiful harvest into the autumn and beyond. This month on the allotment, we’re focusing on sowing a range of vegetables and greens that will keep our gardens productive and our plates full of fresh, tasty produce. Here’s an overview of what we’re sowing this August on our UK allotment.
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What We're Sowing
This year I will doing everything in plug trays to start, as I still have a massive slug Issue due to all the wet weather, Hopefully this will get better towards the end of the month when I can clear some beds and direct sow some of the seeds below as well.
Red Lettuce: Sowing red lettuce from seed this month will keep our salads vibrant and varied. Varieties like 'Lollo Rosso' and 'Red Salad Bowl' are ideal for August sowing. These lettuces will provide beautiful, crisp leaves for our autumn salads.
Rocket: A quick-growing and peppery addition to our garden, rocket is perfect for sowing in August. Its spicy leaves are excellent for salads and sandwiches, adding a zesty kick to our meals.
Black Nero Kale: Known for its rich flavour and dark leaves, Black Nero kale is a hardy crop that thrives in cooler temperatures. Sowing it now will ensure we have a continuous supply of nutritious leaves through the autumn and winter. This truly is a bulletproof plant.
Beetroot: Sowing beetroot from seed in August ensures a steady supply of this versatile root vegetable. Varieties like 'Bolt hardy' and 'Detroit Dark Red' are great choices. Beetroot is perfect for roasting, pickling, or adding to salads.
French Radish: These fast-growing radishes are perfect for August sowing. Varieties like 'French Breakfast' and 'Sparkler' will produce spicy, crunchy radishes in a matter of weeks, ideal for salads and snacking.
Bright Lights Chard: This colourful and productive crop is a joy to grow. Sowing 'Bright Lights' chard now will add a splash of colour to our allotment and our meals. It’s perfect for salads, sautés, and as a spinach substitute.
Carrots: We’re continuing to sow carrots this month to ensure a continuous harvest. Varieties like 'Nantes 2' and 'Autumn King' are reliable and sweet, providing delicious roots well into the cooler months.
Ruby Streak Mustard: With its beautiful purple leaves and spicy flavour, Ruby Streak mustard is a great addition to our garden. It’s perfect for adding colour and a peppery taste to salads and dishes.
Spinach: Spinach is a hardy green that thrives in cooler weather. Sowing it now will ensure a supply of tender, nutritious leaves for salads, soups, and sautés throughout the autumn.
Pak Choi: This versatile and fast-growing Asian green is perfect for sowing in August. Pak choi is excellent for stir-fries, soups, and salads, providing a crisp texture and mild flavour.
Onion Seeds: Sowing onion seeds in August gives us a head start on next year’s harvest. Varieties like 'White Lisbon', 'Ailsa Criag' and 'Bedfordshire Champion' will develop over the winter and be ready for harvesting next summer.
I have made an easy to follow Seed list on my Amazon store here’s a direct link.
Allotment Tips for August
Watering: Consistent watering is crucial, especially during warm days. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation and ensure deep soil penetration. Focus on the roots, not the leaves.
Weeding: Regular weeding is essential to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Keep an eye on those weeds and remove them promptly to help your crops thrive.
Feeding: Feed your crops regularly with a balanced fertilizer to support their growth and development. Use a high-nitrogen feed for leafy greens like kale and chard to encourage lush foliage.
Pest Control: Watch out for pests such as aphids, cabbage white caterpillars, and slugs. Use organic methods like neem oil, natural predators, and barriers to protect your plants.
Harvest Highlights
As we sow new crops, we're also enjoying the rewards of our earlier efforts. This month, we're harvesting:
Lettuce: Fresh, crisp leaves for our salads.
Carrots: Sweet and crunchy, perfect for snacking and cooking.
Potatoes: Creamy and delicious, ideal for salads and side dishes.
Tomatoes: Tigerella are now coming through and taste fantastic.
Chillis: Now in full production. Hot Hot Hot
Kale: Picking those perfect green leaves.
My Top 3 of July’s Videos
What I’m sowing in August
Small Plant Big Harvest- Mastering the dwarf Bean Click Here
How to Grow Carrots: Click Here
August is a fantastic month on the allotment. The warm days and slightly cooler nights make for enjoyable gardening, and there’s always something new to sow or harvest. Keep nurturing your plants, enjoy the sunshine, and relish the fruits of your labour.
Happy gardening!
Glen
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