Gardeners with an empty vegetable patch can still plant several easy crops before August ends, according to a gardening expert. Sean Lade, director of Easy Garden Irrigation, says this week is the final opportunity to plant certain vegetables.
Mr Lade said: "As August draws near, the opportunity to plant a significant amount of summer vegetables is dwindling. Even the most dedicated gardeners can lose track of time, so here are some important dates and tips for planting some of our favourite vegetables before it's too late. Timing is crucial, and we want to ensure you don't miss out."
Interest in late-summer gardening rises
The advice follows Google search data showing plenty of interest in late-summer gardening. Oliver Weston, from SEO Backlinks, reported a 394 per cent rise in searches for 'what to plant in August' over the last 30 days.
With demand high, it is important to know what is and isn't worth planting before the month ends.
Lettuce and spring onions
Lettuce is among the simplest options, with Mr Lade advising that it can be sown outdoors until the end of August for a summer crop. He recommends sowing every two weeks where possible to create successive harvests, while keeping the soil moist without making it waterlogged.
Once seedlings reach around two inches tall, they should be thinned out so there is roughly six to eight inches between plants. This gives the lettuce room to develop without becoming overcrowded.
Spring onions are another low-effort choice for gardeners who want something that can continue producing into autumn. Mr Lade recommends sowing them every three weeks for regular harvests through September and October, using well-drained soil in a sunny position.
The seedlings should be watered regularly and thinned if they become crowded. They can be harvested once the tops reach around six to eight inches tall.
Cabbage, spinach and pak choi
Cabbage can also feature in a vegetable patch, although gardeners need to choose a variety suited to the season. Mr Lade recommends planting seeds or seedlings around 18 inches apart and one inch deep, with regular watering helping them establish.
There are summer and winter varieties, so gardeners should check the recommended sowing period for the particular type they are growing. This is particularly important for anyone starting a new crop towards the end of August.
Spinach is particularly useful as temperatures begin to fall because it can tolerate cooler conditions. Mr Lade says it can grow in partial shade or sunlight, although too much sun can encourage the plant to bolt. Seeds should be sown directly into the soil around four inches apart, and the leaves can then be harvested once they have grown large enough to use.
The fifth option is pak choi, which can be grown in fertile soil in a sunny position. Mr Lade recommends sowing it from late spring into early summer.
Gardeners who already have pak choi growing can continue caring for it, while those looking for something to sow immediately should choose a crop with a suitable late-August planting window. The key is to check the variety and growing instructions before planting. For anyone with an empty vegetable bed, there is still plenty that can be done before the end of August.
