There's loads of possibility to keep growing!
The growing season is in high gear for much of the country, with temperatures soaring and gardens overflowing with their bounty. While you may think it's too early to sow anything this year, that's simply not so! You still can plant some short-season edibles and other ornamentals to refresh faded flower beds. For edibles, pay attention to how long it takes them to mature to decide if you really have enough time to harvest.
Typically, here's what you can plant in August:
- Marigold - These sturdy annuals will keep going strong, so add some to fill in sparse containers or dress up beds that need late-season colour. Marigolds come in bright yellow, orange and cream, so they complement autumn's hues if you plan to decorate later with gourds and pumpkins.
- Radish - Talk about instant gratification: Radishes are one of the fastest-growing crops around. In about 30 days, some types are ready to pick; in fact, you don't want to wait too long to harvest because they can become woody.
- Spinach - Spinach is another green that doesn't mind the weather. Sprinkle seeds in rows, and cover lightly with soil. Or interplant it between taller crops, such as pole beans, to provide some shelter from the late summer sun.
- Chrysanthemum - These perennials are often planted too late in the season for their roots to establish, so they may not return next year as you expect. Get mums in the ground now, and you'll have a shot that they'll come back next year.
- Turnip - If you've never tried turnips, now's the time to experiment! New varieties are sweeter and mature in about 60 days, so there's still plenty of time to grow them in many country regions. Some heirloom types don't form a bulb but are eaten as you would other greens such as spinach.
- Cabbage - If you didn't plant any earlier in the season, there's time to put in some transplants now! Some types, such as bok choi and other new varieties, don't hog as much space, so they'll fit nicely into small plots.
- Cucumber - Cukes are fast-growers, so sow seeds in the ground now for fall picking. Some are ready in as little as 40 days. Look for bush types rather than vining varieties if you're planting in containers.
