UK growing guide · Summer
What can I plant in August?
August is often the most productive month on the plot, but it's also when heat and dry spells can stress plants. Keep harvests coming by sowing quick salads and planning overwinter crops, while watering steadily to avoid fruit-splitting and other problems.
Back to planting calendarWhat can you sow in August?
August sowings are about filling gaps and thinking ahead. Quick-growing salads can still do well, and it's a good time to start overwinter planning.
In hot weather, water drills before sowing and consider shade for leafy salads. Keep beds weed free so crops do not compete for moisture.
If beds are empty, a simple green manure can protect soil and improve structure for next season.
Vegetables to sow indoors or under cover
- Winter salads (modules for planting out)
- Rocket and lettuce (protect from heat)
Vegetables to sow or plant outdoors
- Lettuce, radish, rocket (fast crops)
- Chicory and sorrel (late salads)
- Spring cabbage (for next year)
- Green manures (cover bare beds)
- Plant strawberry runners (if rooted)
Tip: Irregular watering is a common cause of blossom end rot in tomatoes and splitting in root crops. Water deeply and mulch to keep moisture stable.
Tips & common mistakes
August gardening tips and common mistakes
August is often about managing heat and disease pressure while keeping momentum for autumn. Small adjustments now can protect your harvest.
Letting seedbeds dry out
August sowings can fail quickly in hot weather. Water drills before sowing and keep the surface moist until seedlings establish.
Irregular watering
Swinging between dry and drenched encourages fruit splitting and blossom end rot. Aim for steady moisture, especially in pots.
Ignoring blight warning signs
Check tomatoes and potatoes often. Remove infected leaves quickly and avoid composting diseased material.
Leaving beds bare
Bare soil bakes and loses structure. Mulch empty beds or sow a green manure to protect soil.
Poor ventilation under cover
Greenhouses and tunnels can become humid and disease prone. Ventilate well to reduce fungal problems.
Garden planning and task management features
Sproutly Gardening helps you organise your plants, plan tasks and set reminders so nothing is forgotten.
Record your sowings
Track late sowings and overwinter plans while you harvest.
Plan upcoming jobs
Schedule watering, feeding and disease checks during peak summer.
Set reminders
Stay consistent with watering to prevent avoidable disorders.
Review your progress
Note which August sowings and strategies worked best.
Ready to plan your August garden?
Stay organised through peak season. Track watering and late sowings in Sproutly Gardening.
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Gardening advice is provided as a general guide based on typical UK conditions. Weather soil and local climate can vary so always use your judgement and adjust timing as needed for your own garden.