It is strange that whilst we complain about the changeable weather conditions the plants just get on with the job of growing and providing us with plentiful food on the plate.  So all is not too bad on the patch.

August is the breadbasket of the months and every crop will be serving us well providing most of our culinary needs and the surpluses of many being stored in the freezer. The fruits are abundant and the kitchen will be in full swing producing jams and chutneys that are to be hidden away in our larders and adorn our tables when the growing season is well past; brightening the dark, dreary days of winter and bring memories of the summer flooding back.

Filling those Vacant Spaces

The ever-increasing pace of harvesting will start to leave bare patches of earth on the plot. Do not despair! There are many crops that can still be sown and make a harvest before the summer gives up its growing time to the autumn that follows (click here to learn more)

So you see there is no point in having empty soil at this time of year and with a little bit of thought you can extend your season and get twice the crops for your money.  Just one word of warning, your soil needs to be in good shape and of high fertility to sustain this extra crop.

Winter Warming Crops

As the harvest continues don’t ignore those winter crops of leek, parsnip, swede and brussel sprouts for these are your mainstay of those long months ahead. 

Stop feeding them for you don’t want them to have too much tender growth but keep them weed free and the soil loose around them.  Be kind to them now and they will reward you when all else as run out.

Strawberry Runners

August is a good time to replace your strawberry plants, particularly if they are over three years old (click here to learn more)

DID YOU KNOW? Strawberries and potatoes hate each other!

So, if your old potato ground looks the perfect place as it is rich and in good shape, beware.  Don’t do it! Strawberries and potatoes should not be grown where one crop has just been grown; I don’t know why but it is a proven fact.  

Stringy Beans a Crop of the Past

Some crops like the runner bean and French bean need regular picking.  Apart from the fact that they are tastier when young and tender they will reduce their cropping period once the pods are full of seed. The parent has met its needs and does not then continue to crop. 

The more you pick the more you get, so keep picking and don’t forget there are always plenty of takers for fresh beans. You can never get enough of this crop in my opinion and they freeze well so that they provide a welcome addition to the dinner plate at any time of the year.

Greenhouse Pests

The greenhouse is now packed to the rafters and there are masses of growth in there, watch out for greenhouse pests (click here to learn more)

Although summer is not quite yet gone now is a good time to sow those seeds for autumn planting and next spring flowers.  Sow your winter pansies and wall flower seeds so that they can make strong plants for planting out next month.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, the little of which there may be, for the darker days are closing in on us.

What to do in September:

• Lift main crop potatoes
• Dry those onions
• Clean out that shed ready for winter storage
• Prepare your borders for spring bulbs and plants
• Clean up plot for winter
• Cover that compost heap