August Seed Sowing for Winter Harvest
It’s August, and time to prepare your garden for the colder months ahead. Here are some tips on what to sow now for a bountiful winter harvest.
Winter Salads
Sow winter salad varieties like ‘Marvel of the Four Seasons’ or ‘Black Seeded Simpson’ now. These hardy lettuces can withstand the cold and will be ready to harvest by winter. You can grow them in a greenhouse or under cloches outdoors.
Oriental Salads
For a spicy twist to your winter salads, sow Asian greens like mizuna, ‘Red Frills’ mustard, and pak choi. These greens grow best as the days get shorter and can be sown directly in the soil or raised in pots for later planting.
Winter Spinach
If you love spinach, sow some now for a late-season crop. Winter spinach varieties like ‘Giant Winter’ can withstand the cold and will provide you with nutritious leafy greens all winter long.
Spring Cabbages
For a spring harvest of cabbages, sow seeds this month. Aim for sturdy young plants by November, and you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, loose-leaf greens from February onwards.
Green Manure
Protect your empty veg beds over winter by sowing phacelia. This plant will flower before frost and then die back, leaving a protective layer of debris over your soil.
Flowers for Winter and Spring
Brighten up your winter and spring garden with these easy-to-grow flowers:
- Calendula: Sow seeds now for extra-early blooms next year.
- Californian poppies: Scatter seeds in sunny spots for pops of color throughout the summer.
- Cornflowers: Sow now for cut flowers that will last for ages in vases.
Remember to follow the instructions on the seed packets for specific sowing depths and spacing. With a little planning and effort, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest all year round!