As the days begin to lengthen and the sun starts to provide a little more heat, the list of seeds to sow in August is longer than last month. It is important to note the soil will be cold, so seeds will still take longer to germinate and establish. “Be patient” is the mantra for August.
You will note many sow what when guides excitedly tell you to begin sowing heat loving vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum and the like. Whilst it is certainly true these may be started in August; you will need to provide shelter and additional warmth to ensure strong germination and growth. Many people advocate for placing freshly sown seeds in front of the fire (not too close!), on top of an electric hot water service or fridge, or ideally on a heat mat within a greenhouse. These techniques will all assist. We find it most helpful, however, to consider when you will be able to transplant these crops into your garden. Generally, in our cool, very frosty climate, this is not until late October / early November. That being the case, sowing these heat lovers now will mean you have to nurture them in pots for close to three months – providing their nutritional, light and water needs day in, day out. If you are prepared for that, then you may start sowing these crops now. Otherwise, consider waiting until early next month.
Eat well, stay well!
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