In August, choose a few sowings for autumn and winter while separating preparation for later planting from jobs that should be done now.
Start with the packet window, available space and local growing season, without trying to fill every gap before the weather turns.
Sow for the Remaining Season
Suitable autumn salads, spinach, turnips, radishes and spring cabbage offer options, with exact varieties and protection needs checked before sowing.
Carrots and beetroot need a realistic remaining season, so use the packet and the carrot guide rather than expecting a late sowing to match an earlier crop.
Prepare for Autumn Planting
Order autumn-labelled onion sets for their stated planting window, leaving spring choices such as Red Baron and Stuttgarter for the appropriate season.
Choose garlic sold for autumn planting and prepare its site, following RHS garlic guidance rather than treating August as a universal planting date.
Buy spring bulbs with a plan for their planting season, using the bulb method as autumn approaches.
Strawberries and Existing Crops
Plant strawberry material according to the form supplied and keep crowns at surface level, with our plant chooser explaining the main types.
Continue picking courgettes and beans with the courgette and runner-bean guides for crop-specific care.
Blueberry harvest order depends on cultivar: Duke is early-cropping, despite flowering late, so it should not be used as a blanket late-season example.
Harvest parsley’s outer stems as needed and remember that Bravour is curly, while basil responds to shoot-tip picking.
Moisture and Protection
Check containers frequently during warm spells and match feed to the crop, compost and label, making room for autumn crops without letting existing plants dry out.
Inspect leaves and fruit before choosing a pest treatment, with the plant-care guide offering a diagnosis-first route.
Move into Autumn
Read RHS August jobs, then open September or the monthly index.
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