August’s allotment plan

SOW

Florence fennel seeds, sown direct, will germinate within days at this time of the year. Thin out to 30cm between seedlings, and don’t allow the bed to dry out. Harvest from October onwards.

Hardy onion like ‘Senshyu’ should be sown as sets in September or October but the ground should be prepared at least a month in advance. Add well-rotted garden compost to improve drainage and fertility. Avoid planting onions in freshly manured soil.

Hardy lettuce such as ‘Winter Density’ and even wild rocket will appreciate the early start. Plant pots can be moved into the greenhouse in autumn, where you can continue to grow and harvest from them.

HARVEST

Tease out onions with a garden fork. When the tops flop over, it’s an indication that they’re reaching maturity.

Pull up larger beetroot. Continuing to harvest them will make room for smaller, emerging plants to put on further weight.

Snip ripe tomato trusses. This helps speed up fruiting for the other trusses.

Pick the last of the tender French beans. Any pods that have started to mature should be left on the plants to dry. Later, add the dried beans to winter stews.

JOBS

Keep on top of the weeding, watering and deadheading. I find these are my main tasks of the month.

Stake and earth-up purple sprouting broccoli, kale and Brussels sprouts for autumn, winter and spring cropping.

Sow hardy green manures when all of the harvesting is complete. It will help by minimising soil erosion and replacing nutrients.

Pinch out runner bean tips that have reached the end of their support.

Continue to feed greenhouse tomatoes and chilli plants.