August Harvest in UK Gardens: A List of Fruits and Vegetables Picked During August
In the heart of summer, UK gardens are bursting with a variety of ripe and vibrant produce. August is a prime month for harvesting warm-season crops and preparing for the autumn and winter seasons.
Vegetables to Harvest and Grow
This month, tomatoes, peppers, courgettes (zucchini), beans, potatoes, onions, and summer squash are at their peak. To ensure a continuous supply, these crops require regular feeding in August for optimal production [1][2][3].
Potatoes and onions are often ready for harvesting by August [2]. For an extended growing season into autumn and early winter, consider sowing spring onions, kale, Swiss chard, and cabbage now [2].
Other common summer vegetables include peas, summer squash, eggplant, and sweet onions [3].
Fruits in Season
August is a bountiful month for stone fruits such as plums, greengages, damsons, peaches, and nectarines, which are at their peak [1][3][5]. Berries including blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, loganberries, tayberries, redcurrants, whitecurrants, blackcurrants, and blueberries remain in season, although strawberries and some berries may be near the end of their season [1][3][5].
Apples (early varieties) start to appear in August as the first of the fall fruit season [1][3]. Cherries, figs, and gooseberries are also available [1][3].
Preparing for Autumn and Winter
August is an ideal time for planting fruit trees and shrubs, as the warm soil aids root establishment before winter [4].
Sowing for Later Harvests
Broccoli (Calabrese and summer-sprouting varieties) can be harvested now. Rhubarb stalks can still be harvested, but it's best to stop towards the end of the month to let the plant rest.
Beetroot harvesting is recommended for sowings that are now a good size. Cucumbers (greenhouse and outdoor varieties) are ripening rapidly.
Join Gardening Communities
There are three active Facebook gardening groups available: "How to Dig For Victory", "UK Garden Flowers, Trees, Shrubs & More", and "Allotment Life For Beginners". To join, follow the links provided [1][2][3].
For more gardening tips and insights, visit StefanDrewe.substack.com.
Harvesting Tips
- Look for the tassels on the sweetcorn cobs turning dark brown to know when they are ready.
- Peppers & Chillies are ripening, especially in a greenhouse or a sheltered, sunny spot.
- Greengages, these sweet, delicious plums will be ripe for picking.
- Raspberries: Summer-fruiting varieties will be finishing, while autumn-fruiting varieties are just starting to produce.
- Fig: They can be roasted when stuffed with cheese and wrapped with Parma ham.
- Turnips: Young turnips can be harvested now.
- Onions planted earlier in the year should have their leaves turning yellow and falling over, indicating they are ready to be lifted and dried.
- Tomatoes (greenhouse and outdoor varieties) are ripening beautifully.
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Enjoy a delectable lifestyle with home-grown produce as August sees ripe tomatoes, peppers, and summer squash from the garden, alongside home-grown food-and-drink options such as nectarines, plums, and figs. To keep up the home-and-garden produce flow, consider planting spring onions, kale, Swiss chard, and cabbage for an extended harvest.
