You’d be forgiven for thinking winter is a month for embracing your inner bear and entering into a deep hibernation, as the temperatures reach their minimum, and the wild, woolly weather persuades you that nothing of note is going on out there anyway.
Five vegetables to start growing in August
About Rachel
Ys social influencer and roving reporter, avid foodie and devotee of the grape.
But in fact, winter is the prime time for certain fruit and veggies to get their start in the world.
Here are my top five:.
Potatoes
August is prime potato-planting month, so hop to it! Seed taters will be available to buy now. Plant toward the end of the month with compost and manure.
Peas
How perfect, they’re happy to be grown beside potatoes. They’re super easy to grow, but may need a little support, so string them between small wooden posts.
Strawberries
Chill your seeds in a freezer, then sow in tray or pot on compost, inside or undercover. Once the plants have three leaves, transfer into small pots and then to the garden once the plant has grown. It will take about a year to produce flowers and then fruit. Make sure to protect plant from birds with netting.
Carrots
Plant a variety of different colours to liven up your spring salads. Plant in full sun and simply scatter the seeds on the top of soil and lightly walk over them to press into the soil. Just a quick sprinkle of water to finish.
Beetroot
Experts say to soak your beetroot seeds for 24 hours before planting to thin them. This will help separate the seeds if they are initially clumped up in a ‘seedball. Be sure to water the plant thoroughly as they can become inedible if dried out.
Strawberries
Chill your seeds and sow in tray or pot on compost inside or undercover. Once the plants have 3 leaves, transfer into small pots and then to the garden once the plant has grown. It will take about a year to produce flowers and then fruit. Make sure to protect your plants from birds, using netting.
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