Why August is the Perfect Time to Sow for an Autumn Harvest

As summer begins its slow turn into autumn, August offers one of the most rewarding windows in the gardening calendar. At Wilkinsons Landscapes, we believe that late summer sowing is a clever way to keep your garden productive, colourful, and full of life well into the cooler months.

Warm Soil, Cool Nights – The Ideal Combo

August strikes the perfect balance between warm soil and milder air temperatures. This combination gives seeds the head start they need while encouraging strong root development and healthy, resilient growth. It’s nature’s way of telling us: get sowing!

Whether you have a veg patch, raised beds, or even containers, now is the time to make the most of the tail end of summer.

What to Sow Now

If you're wondering where to start, here's a guide to crops and plants that thrive when sown in August:

Quick Crops

These are ideal for gardeners who want fast results:

• Radishes – Some varieties are ready to harvest in just 3–4 weeks. Sow thinly for crisp, peppery bites.

• Salad Leaves – Choose cut-and-come-again varieties like mizuna, rocket, and lamb’s lettuce. Keep sowing every two weeks for a continuous harvest.

• Spinach – Prefers cooler temperatures and will flourish now without bolting.

• Pak Choi – Perfect for stir-fries and easy to grow. Sow directly into well-drained soil.

Hardy Greens for Later

If you’re planning ahead for late autumn and even winter:

• Kale – A brilliant, hardy crop. Sow now and you’ll be picking leaves right into December.

• Chard – A colourful and nutritious addition that grows well into colder months.

• Spring Onions – Slow-growing but perfect if you want a spring pick-me-up in the garden.

• Turnips & Beetroot – Sow smaller, fast-maturing varieties now for baby roots before the first frost.

Flowers to Sow Now for Autumn Colour

Want your borders to keep blooming?

• Calendula – Bright, cheerful, and edible too!

• Cornflowers & Nigella – Sow now for a late-season display and early spring colour next year.

• Hardy Annuals – Larkspur, poppies, and honesty can all be autumn-sown for stronger spring growth.

Top Tips for August Sowing

• Water smart: Even though the soil’s warm, August can still be dry. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to help seeds settle.

• Shade delicate seedlings: If there’s a hot spell, cover young plants with a little fleece or cloche until established.

• Keep sowing little and often: Avoid gluts by staggering your sowings every 10–14 days.

• Watch the pests: Slugs and flea beetles can be active in late summer—net young brassicas and keep an eye out!

The Reward

By sowing now, you’ll keep your garden productive well into the shoulder seasons. There's something truly satisfying about harvesting fresh salad leaves in October, or serving up your own spinach when the nights are drawing in.

August is a time of transition—but in the garden, it’s also a second spring if you know what to plant.

So, get those seeds in, keep the watering can handy, and enjoy watching your garden give back long after summer ends.