Although it may seem like summer is coming to an end, gardeners in the UK should use August to update their beds and plant cool-season, quick-growing crops for a fruitful fall. Don't put away your gardening gloves just yet, even if your spring lettuce has bolted or you've cut your last courgette; there's still plenty to grow!
Every month is a growing month, according to Yorkshire Seeds, and August is the best time of year to plant leafy greens, resilient brassicas, root vegetables, and aromatic herbs that will flourish as the days get colder and shorter. We would recommend you to sow the following varieties:
🥬 Leafy Greens: Quick Wins for Fresh Autumn Salads Lettuce (Cut-and-Come-Again)
August is a fantastic time to sow cut-and-come-again lettuce mixes. These leafy blends grow quickly and can be harvested multiple times. Try varieties like Lollo Rosso, Green Oak Leaf, or our Speedy Salad Mix. Sow little and often for a continuous supply through early autumn.
Rocket:
This peppery leaf loves the cooler evenings of late summer. It grows fast, packs flavour, and pairs beautifully with tomatoes and mozzarella in late-season salads.
Spinach:
A true autumn champion, spinach thrives in cooler temperatures. August sowings of bolt-resistant varieties will give you lush, tender leaves by mid-September.
🥦 Brassicas: Cold-Weather Kale
Tough, versatile, and packed with nutrients, kale is a must for any late-season plot. Varieties like Black Tuscan Kale or Dwarf Curled Kale are great for sowing in August and will produce into winter.
Pak Choi & Oriental Greens
If you want something a bit different, try pak choi, mizuna, or tatsoi. These leafy brassicas are perfect for salads, stir-fries, and soups. They grow rapidly and tolerate shorter days well.
🥕 Root Crops: Fast and Flavoursome: Radishes
Quick, crunchy, and satisfying to grow, radishes are perfect for beginners and impatient gardeners. Some varieties can be ready in just 3 weeks!
Turnips (Baby Varieties)
Try smaller turnip varieties for a sweet, mild flavour. Baby turnips can be roasted, mashed, or added raw to salads.
🌿 Herbs: Small Space, Big Flavour Coriander
Coriander loves the cooler days of late summer and won’t bolt as quickly as it does in June and July. Use it fresh in curries, salsas, and salads.
Dill & Parsley
These herbs germinate quickly in warm soil and provide excellent flavour in autumn dishes. Dill is particularly great for pickling cucumbers or carrots you’ve harvested earlier.
🌱 Yorkshire Seeds Top Tips for August Sowing
✅ Water wisely – Sow in the evening and water at the base to reduce evaporation and heat stress.
✅ Succession sow – Sow small amounts weekly to avoid gluts and extend your harvest window.
✅ Mulch and protect – Use mulch to retain soil moisture and fleece/netting to guard against pests.
✅ Watch the weather – Be mindful of late heatwaves; shade seedlings if needed and ensure consistent moisture.
🌿 Use code AUGSOW35 at checkout to save 35% (valid until 7th August 2025)
August isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity. By sowing the right crops now, you’ll keep your garden productive and your kitchen stocked with fresh, homegrown flavour well into autumn. Whether you have a raised bed, a balcony planter, or a few containers, there’s still time to sow something delicious.
Let’s keep growing—together 🌱
– The Yorkshire Seeds Team