August

Although the weather hasn’t improved much the harvests have certainly made up for it 😍 Beans galore! And an epic cucumber year. The baby corn has been amazing and I’ve more beetroot than I know what to do with!

Brassicas haven’t faired well due to caterpillars, even though they are netted. Plus slugs have munched through many of them and Mr Mole insists on digging tunnels right underneath them.

Pumpkins are few and far between and tomatoes are only just ripening. It’s certainly been a mixed bag. Talking about pumpkins, I’ve only just used the last butternut squash that was harvested last year! They have stored so well upstairs in the office. I’ve made a lovely spicy butternut soup.

The garden is looking incredible. Verbena lollipop is showing off, the hydrangeas are flowering and my Gaura has popped open too. The Calendula have been a fantastic addition to the garden this year. They’ve been flowering for ages and aren’t showing any signs of stopping. It’s been lovely watching the plants growing and filling out into their spaces and the bees and butterflies have loved the extra flowers too.

Mid month and it’s time for some sowing! Over wintering onions can be sown from the 18th August onwards so still time if you haven’t already. Make sure they are Japanese varieties and suitable for overwintering.

I’ve also sown beetroot, spinach, Pak Choi, hardy spring onions and some pansies 🌸 most of these will stay in the greenhouse over winter, some being planted into the greenhouse beds once the tomatoes finish. I’ve used the RocketGro Seed & Cutting compost for all these. With the onions I’ve actually added a thin layer of the Stage 2&3 compost in the bottom to give them a small feed as they grow. I’m hoping not to need to pot the onions on before planting out so I’ll be keeping an eye on them.

Everything was starting to slow and I was preparing for a steady autumn but by the end of the month everything is going again! My courgettes are giving me loads suddenly, the beans are appearing overnight. Raspberries galore and the strawberries are even producing again! It’s certainly exciting.

As we head into September I’m looking forward to lots of harvests and some sunny days (the weather man has promised us!)

It’s an exciting month with the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show coming up and a visit to the RocketGro farm!

I’ll be lifting the rest of my potatoes this month and pre ordering my garlic for planting in October. September is a great month to start reflecting on the growing year and making notes for next years plans.

Hoping you all have a warm, sunny September.

Steph 💛