If you are worried that it’s too late grow your own food in time for a 2025 harvest, then fear not. A gardening expert claims you can still sow certain seeds in early August that will be ready in late autumn or winter.
Rosa Jones, who is a nutritionist and is experienced in growing crops in her own kitchen garden, took to TikTok to reveal what you should be planting in the days ahead. “Some seeds you can sow in early August for a winter or late autumn harvest in the UK,” she began.
1. Alliums
First, Rosa highlighted alliums including spring onions – namely winter hardy varieties such as White Lisbon. She also suggested sowing garlic from late August for a summer harvest as well as Japanese overwintering onions.
2. Root vegetables
Rosa went on to advise that beetroot seeds should be sown in late August – with the Boltardy variety being the “most reliable”. She added: “Carrots (early varieties under cover or fleece) and radishes – quick crops, ideal for filling gaps.”
3. Brassicas
Rosa also has recommendations when it comes to brassicas, meanwhile. For winter cabbage, she suggested “sowing ASAP” for a late winter crop, whilst kale will benefit in flavour from growing during the frostier weather.
Her other brassica advice reads: “Pak choi – sow under cover or shade to avoid bolting. Turnips – small ones mature fast for winter use.”
Others
Rosa closed with a selection of miscellaneous crops. She pinpointed chard as “productive and hardy”, whilst parsley is slow to germinate, but “overwinters well”.
As for broad beans, she added: “Sow late August/early September for an early spring harvest.”
Writing in response, one TikTok user sought further advice, asking: “Do you know if I could sow turnips in trays and replant? I sowed some a few weeks ago and they have all been eaten.”
Rosa advised: “You can transplant them, just be careful and gentle as they don’t really like to be disturbed.”
Meanwhile, a second person questioned: “When is the latest yo plant beetroot? I’ve seen a seed packet for rainbow beets that I’d love to try!”
To which Rosa affirmed: “Now really, early August – so if you’re going to sow them, do it ASAP.”
So there you have it, time to get planting!