Vegetable Seeds to Sow in August

Cabbage Spring

August is the perfect time to sow spring cabbage, setting you up for a fresh start to the gardening year. Choose a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil. Sow seeds thinly in rows, allowing about 30 cm between plants once they’re thinned out. Regular watering helps them establish and flourish through late summer into autumn. These robust greens will mature over winter, ready to deliver crisp, nutritious leaves in early spring. Use them in salads, coleslaws, or lightly steamed for vibrant, healthy meals straight from your garden.

Cabbage Chinese

Sowing Chinese cabbage in August ensures a productive autumn harvest. This quick-growing vegetable thrives in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Sow seeds thinly in rows, spacing plants about 20 cm apart. Consistent watering supports lush growth and helps prevent bolting. Chinese cabbage offers versatility in the kitchen, perfect for salads, stir-fries, or pickling. By planting now, you’ll enjoy a steady supply of these crisp, tender leaves as the season turns cooler, adding variety to your culinary repertoire.

Chicory

Sow chicory in August to enjoy a robust, slightly bitter harvest in late autumn and winter. This hardy vegetable prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil. Sow seeds thinly in rows, allowing about 30 cm between plants. Keep the soil moist with regular watering. As the cooler months approach, chicory’s unique flavour enriches salads or sautés. Its striking red or green leaves enhance not only your meals but also the aesthetic of your winter garden, offering a reliable and nutritious supply when other crops might be scarce.

Corn Salad

August is an excellent month to sow corn salad, or lamb’s lettuce, for a winter harvest. Select a partially shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil. Sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows spaced 10 cm apart, ensuring they receive sufficient moisture through regular watering. Corn salad is incredibly hardy and withstands frosts, making it a dependable winter green. Its mild, nutty flavour works well in salads or as a garnish, adding a fresh, nutritious touch to meals when other fresh produce is limited.

Lettuce – Winter

Plant winter lettuce in August to secure fresh leafy greens through the colder months. Opt for a sheltered, sunny spot with well-drained soil, and sow seeds thinly in rows about 20 cm apart. Regular watering keeps the soil consistently moist, which helps the seeds germinate and grow rapidly. Winter lettuce is hardy and can withstand light frost, providing fresh, crunchy leaves ready for your salads and sandwiches. By planting now, you ensure a vibrant supply of greenery despite the winter chill.

Onion – Autumn

Sowing autumn onions in August sets the stage for a fruitful harvest in early summer next year. Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil. Plant sets or seeds about 10 cm apart in rows, keeping them well-watered during dry spells. Onions grow steadily through the cooler months, developing robust flavour and size with little maintenance. They are a kitchen staple, used in countless recipes, from soups to roasts. By getting them started now, you’ll enjoy a reliable, versatile crop that underpins your culinary endeavours.

Pak Choi

August is an ideal time to sow pak choi for an autumn crop. Select a partially shaded spot with fertile, well-drained soil, and sow seeds thinly, spacing plants about 20 cm apart. Ensure regular watering to keep the soil moist, which supports rapid growth. Pak choi matures quickly and can be harvested in as little as six weeks. Whether used in salads, stir-fries, or soups, its crisp texture and mild flavour make it a versatile addition to your meals right up until winter.

Radicchio

Plant radicchio in August to develop vibrant and flavourful heads for autumn harvests. Radicchio prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil. Sow seeds thinly in rows, with about 30 cm between plants, and water consistently to support even growth. Its slightly bitter taste adds an interesting contrast to salads and cooked dishes alike. Colourful and robust, radicchio brings both visual appeal and culinary diversity to your garden, offering a burst of flavour and nutrition as cooler weather arrives.

Radish

August is a great month to sow radishes for a quick, late-season harvest. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and sow seeds thinly in rows about 10 cm apart. Water frequently to maintain moist soil, which ensures rapid growth. Radishes mature in just a few weeks, offering crisp, peppery roots perfect for salads or as a crunchy snack. Repeated sowings every couple of weeks can extend your harvest into the cooler months, providing a continuous supply of this nutritious vegetable.

Turnip

Sow turnip seeds in August for a crop that will mature by early winter. Select a sunny site with rich, well-drained soil. Sow seeds thinly, with rows spaced about 30 cm apart, keeping the soil moist with regular watering. Turnips grow quickly, offering sweet, tender roots and nutritious greens. Harvest them young for the best flavour or let them mature fully for winter stews and roasts. This versatile vegetable adds depth to your garden’s offerings, supplying both culinary versatility and nutritional value.

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