Tower and Town, August 2024 (view the full edition)The Garden in AugustFlower beds Some plants such as yellow rattle and many popular bulbs including daffodils and tulips need vernalisation and autumn sowing. Bi-annuals such as foxgloves are sown now to bloom next year, as are hardy annuals such as sweet peas for an early spring start, although they may need winter protection. With luck you'll find self-seeders in your borders too, useful for increasing stock or gifting. Veggies While the soil is warm you could sow leafy greens for winter use in a protected space e.g. a cold frame. Choose those bred to withstand cold such as oriental greens, spinach and winter lettuce. Ensure airflow to prevent young plants damping off, harvest a few leaves at a time and they'll continue growing on sunny days. Spring cabbages and broad beans can be sown for eating in the "hungry gap" when veg stores are depleted but new harvests not yet begun. If you have spare ground a green manure will prevent nutrients leaching away until killed by frosts, and then rot down adding goodness to your soil. Seed saving
Looking good While Rudbeckia and grasses are now coming into their own other plants are dying back, giving the garden a different look. Hedge cutting generally starts from 1st September and the contrast between a clipped hedge and billowing vegetation can be very pleasing. If you have a meadow, cut grass once wildflowers have set seed. Composting And finally, fill your compost bins as the warm weather will kickstart it to give an earlier supply next year. Making leaf mould too is so easy. Simply stuff damp leaves into an old bag with air holes and leave it out of the way to transform. Debby Schofield |
Most seeds can be saved although F1s are unreliable. There is a regular seed swap at the garden club and it's a good way to try new plants for free. Choose a dry day, harvest ripe seed and store in a dry place. I save heritage peas and beans every year with good results.