What to Plant in August in Preston | Seasonal Gardening Guide
August is one of the busiest months in the garden, but there is still plenty you can sow and plant in Preston. While summer crops are being harvested, it's time to start thinking ahead to autumn and winter.
For gardeners in Preston and across Lancashire, August is a great month for sowing quick-growing salads, planting autumn crops and making the most of any gaps in your vegetable beds.
At Let's Grow Preston, we use gardening to help people connect with nature, learn practical skills and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you're growing on an allotment, in a garden, community growing space or a few containers at home, there's always something you can grow.
What to Plant in August in Preston
August is a transition month. Warm soil means seeds can germinate quickly, while the shortening days mean it's important to choose crops that can cope with cooler conditions later in the year.
Vegetables to Sow and Plant Now
Good vegetables to grow in Preston during August include:
Radishes
Salad leaves
Spinach
Spring onions
Beetroot
Carrots
Turnips
Pak choi
Kale
Winter salads
Fast-growing crops such as radishes and salad leaves can provide a harvest before the colder weather arrives.
For crops such as spinach and kale, August sowings can provide leaves into autumn and, depending on the variety and weather, beyond.
What About Potatoes?
August is generally too late for planting traditional maincrop potatoes, but you may still be able to grow second early or specially selected late-season varieties depending on your local conditions.
If you're looking for a reliable August crop, focus instead on quick-growing vegetables and crops that will continue producing into autumn.
Herbs to Grow in August
August is also a good time to grow herbs, particularly in containers.
Try:
Parsley
Chives
Coriander
Mint
Thyme
Growing herbs in pots can be particularly useful if you have limited space. You can place containers close to your kitchen so fresh herbs are always within easy reach.
Flowers to Sow in August
Your garden doesn't have to stop flowering just because summer is coming to an end.
Some flowers can still be sown or planted in August, while others can be planted now for colour later in the year.
Consider:
Calendula
Poppies
Sweet William
Foxgloves
Forget-me-nots
Think about choosing flowers that provide food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife.
What Can You Harvest in August?
August is one of the most rewarding months for harvesting.
Depending on what you've grown, you may be picking:
Tomatoes
Courgettes
Runner beans
French beans
Peas
Potatoes
Carrots
Beetroot
Salad leaves
Strawberries
Raspberries
Blackberries
Try to harvest regularly. Picking crops such as beans and courgettes encourages plants to continue producing.
And don't worry if you end up with more produce than you can eat! Sharing surplus food with friends, neighbours and community food projects is a wonderful way to connect growing with the wider community.
Gardening Tips for August in Preston
Preston's weather can be unpredictable, so keep an eye on both rainfall and temperature.
Water wisely
Even though Lancashire gets plenty of rain, plants growing in containers and newly planted crops may still need watering during dry spells.
Water plants thoroughly rather than giving them a little water every day.
Keep harvesting
Regular harvesting encourages many plants to keep producing.
Start thinking about autumn
Don't wait until September to think about autumn crops. August is the perfect time to sow many vegetables that will provide food later in the year.
Keep an eye out for pests
Warm weather can encourage pests such as aphids, caterpillars and slugs. Check plants regularly and deal with problems early.
Look after your soil
Adding compost or well-rotted organic matter helps maintain healthy soil and prepares growing spaces for future crops.
Don't Have an Allotment?
You don't need a large garden to grow food.
August is a particularly good time to experiment with containers because many quick-growing crops can produce results in a relatively small space.
Try growing:
Salad leaves in window boxes
Radishes in pots
Herbs on a patio
Spring onions in containers
Strawberries in hanging baskets
Even a small growing space can give you the opportunity to spend time outdoors, learn new skills and enjoy the satisfaction of growing something yourself.
Gardening Is About More Than Growing
At Let's Grow Preston, the vegetables and flowers we grow are only part of what happens in our gardens.
Our horticultural activities provide opportunities for people to spend time outdoors, be physically active, learn new skills, meet other people and connect with nature.
The harvest is important, but so are the conversations, friendships, confidence and sense of purpose that can grow alongside it.
That's why we use horticulture as a way to support healthier, more connected communities across Preston.
Get Growing with Let's Grow Preston
Whether you're an experienced gardener or you've never grown anything before, there are plenty of ways to get involved with Let's Grow Preston.
We offer:
You don't need to be an expert. You just need to be willing to have a go.
What to Plant Next Month
September is an important month for preparing the garden for autumn and winter.
Look out for our next What to Plant in Preston guide for seasonal growing advice and ideas for making the most of your garden throughout the year.
Stay Connected
Want more seasonal gardening advice?
Sign up to the Let's Grow Preston newsletter for:
Monthly planting guides
Seasonal gardening tips
Community gardening news
Volunteer opportunities
Workshops and events
Sustainability advice
Together, we're helping create greener, healthier, and more connected communities across Preston and Lancashire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Preston in August
What vegetables can I plant in August in Preston?
In August, you can sow vegetables including radishes, salad leaves, spinach, spring onions, beetroot, carrots, turnips, pak choi and kale. Choose quick-growing varieties or crops that can continue growing into autumn.
Is August too late to start a vegetable garden?
No. August is still a productive month for gardening in Preston. Warm soil can help seeds germinate quickly, and there are many vegetables that can be harvested in autumn.
What can I plant in containers in August?
Good choices for August containers include salad leaves, radishes, spring onions, herbs and some compact varieties of vegetables. Containers are useful for gardeners with limited outdoor space.
Can I still grow potatoes in August?
August is generally too late for planting traditional maincrop potatoes, although some second early or late-season varieties may be suitable depending on local conditions. Check the growing recommendations for the specific variety before planting.
What flowers can I plant in August?
You can sow or plant a range of flowers in August, including calendula, poppies, sweet William, foxgloves and forget-me-nots. Choose plants that are suitable for the season and consider varieties that provide food for pollinators.
Do I need to water my garden in August in Preston?
You may need to water plants during dry periods, particularly newly planted crops and plants growing in containers. Check the soil before watering and water thoroughly when necessary.
What can I harvest in August?
Depending on what you have grown, August can provide harvests of tomatoes, courgettes, beans, peas, potatoes, carrots, beetroot, salad leaves and soft fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.
How can I get involved with Let's Grow Preston?
Let's Grow Preston offers gardening workshops, volunteering opportunities, community gardening and horticultural activities across Preston. These activities provide opportunities to learn practical skills, connect with nature and other people, and contribute to greener, healthier communities.
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