Four Vegetable Crops to Sow in Late August
The end of summer doesn't mean the end of the gardening season. You can still sow vegetables on empty beds that you'll harvest in September and October.
The end of summer doesn't mean the end of the gardening season. You can still sow vegetables on empty beds that you'll harvest in September and October.
The end of August doesn't have to mark the end of work in the vegetable garden. After summer crops are removed, fast-growing vegetables that tolerate gradual cooling can be planted in the empty beds. With proper watering, the first leaves and fruits can be harvested in September and October, according to Lika Online.
Radishes are particularly suitable for late-summer sowing. If early varieties are chosen, harvesting is possible in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. Seeds are sown directly into loose soil, about 1 cm deep.
The plants require constant moisture because sudden changes between dry and wet soil can cause the roots to crack. Once seedlings emerge, they need to be thinned to give the radishes enough space to grow.
Arugula is another excellent choice for the end of August. Cooler conditions favor leaf development, which then has a milder and less bitter taste than in summer. Seeds are sown shallowly, in rows or scattered over the prepared bed.
Young leaves can be harvested as early as 3 to 4 weeks after sowing. If only the outer leaves are cut, the plant continues to grow and allows for additional harvests.
Spinach can also be sown during this period. For autumn harvest, choose varieties that suit short days and cooler weather. Seeds are placed 2 to 3 cm deep, with enough space left between rows for maintenance.
Spinach grows best in nutrient-rich soil with moderate moisture. Young leaves can be harvested gradually, and well-rooted plants often survive even a mild winter.
Lamb's lettuce grows a bit slower, but it tolerates cold well and is one of the most reliable crops for the autumn garden. Seeds are sown shallowly in slightly moist soil, and the surface layer must not dry out during germination.
Due to high temperatures that slow germination, lamb's lettuce is recommended to be sown in late August or early September, when nights are cooler.
Before sowing, remove remnants of previous crops and weeds, loosen the soil, and add some mature compost. Newly sown beds should be watered gently so that water doesn't wash away or displace the seeds.
Harvest time depends on the variety, weather, and growing region. In colder areas, it's useful to set up a garden tunnel or row cover to protect young plants from early frost. With a good selection of vegetables, empty summer beds can remain productive until late autumn.
