The Basics by Michael Kelly - August Sowing

There’s still some sowing left to be done before all the growth goes out of the year so this week I have been busy in the potting shed, and direct sowing in the small polytunnel.  It’s great to back sowing seeds again.  Getting a good crop of green leaves under way is particularly important in August to ensure a good supply right in to the winter months.  I always ensure I get a sowing of oriental greens, claytonia (Miner’s lettuce – so called because it was valued by miner’s in south America for its vitamin C content) and chervil.

• Another tray of beetroot which I will plant out in to the polytunnel in the hope of getting a small crop before the end of October or in early spring
• A full module tray of lettuce for transplanting in to the tunnel
• Small module trays of claytonia, coriander, chervil and basil
• Direct sowing in the polytunnel of oriental greens (mustard red frills and mizuna)
• Direct sowing of chard, annual spinach and kale – all for use in salads

If you are lucky enough to have a polytunnel or greenhouse you could also try sowing French beans, baby turnips, perpetual spinach, spring cabbage.