August gardening: Two ‘great performers’ to sow this month for crops 'in as little as four weeks'
August is a good month to sow seeds
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Gardens across Britain are in full bloom during August, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start sowing autumnal crops.
Those who salad leaves in August generally reap the rewards within just a few weeks, according to one gardener.
Niall McCauley suggests gardeners sow corn salad and radishes this month as they're some of the top performers.
“I sow these all the time, they’re such great performers and I’m addicted to growing them,” said Niall.
Sow radishes in August for crops in as little as four weeks
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Lamb's lettuce
Lamb's lettuce is an annual that produces spoon-shaped edible leaves that grow up to 15cm long.
“Growing corn salad of lamb’s lettuce is another really good plant to add to your salads," said Niall.
“It’s really good to sowing now because it likes cooler conditions. So particularly as you move towards the end of August, when that cooler weather really starts to kick in, this is really a really brilliant thing to be growing.
“It’s going to grow really happily, and it’s another thing that you can just harvest and have as lovely little leaves to add to your salad."
Radishes
Radishes are easy to grow and don't need a lot of room, making them ideal when space is limited.
“I adore growing radishes, and it’s because they grow so quickly, even their germination is so quick. They germinate within a couple of days.
“All you need to do is find little corners of your garden to grow these, just keep thinning them out and before long you’re going to have radishes that you can add to salads.
“What I do, is I actually grow them, chop them up and add them as a really interesting thing into stir fries.
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Radishes are easy to grow from seed sown outdoors
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Radishes are easy to grow from seeds sown outdoors, either in the ground or in containers, and germination only takes seven to 10 days.
The vegetables are compact and easy to grow in small spaces, making them excellent gap fillers on the vegetable plot.
“Salad radishes are quick and easy to grow from seed, ready to eat in as little as four weeks,” says the Royal Horticultural Society.
Gardeners should still ensure the plants are spaced too closely or crowded out by weeds.