16/07/2013 - Research for the Month of August

Actual Temperature
9 degrees Celsius
Humidity : 82%
Rainfall : 0.00mm
Wind : Heavy Wind


August weather can be some of the most unpredictable of the year. With hints of spring one day, icy squalls the next and in some parts of the country, rain, rain and more rain. Despite such conditions, this is the best time to prepare the garden for spring planting by digging in generous amounts of compost and planting out. 

In some parts of the country, snow can fall as late September and hard frosts are often felt well into this month, so it pays to take special notice of local conditions before rushing out into the garden full of the joys of - well, almost - spring.

Getting Ready

Any green-manure crops that were planted in the autumn should be dug in as soon as possible to add valuable humus to the soil. They will take at least 5 - 6 weeks to decompose, especially if the weather is wet and cold. Mustard, blue lupin and oat are all valuable for improving soils. 

All crops that are maturing such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard and kale will benefit from light cultivation. Hoe around all growing crops - loose soil warms more quickly than soil that is packed.

Frost-prone Areas 

Some varieties of peas can be sown now for harvesting in late November or December. These dwarf varieties are quick to mature, although they only bear moderate crops. Maincrop varieties such as "Greenfeast", "W.F. Massey", "Alderman Tall Climbing", "Novella" and "Stratagem" are all great producers.

Seeds that can be sown in trays ready for transplanting later include cabbage, celery, spring onions, onions, silver beet, spinach and lettuce. Broad bean and endive seeds can be sown if your soil is light, warm and well drained. In sheltered areas, it is also possible to sow or plant out seedlings of broccoli, cabbage, carrot, lettuce, pea, spinach, swede, and turnips. Turnips are a favourite salad vegetable as they can be eaten at almost any stage of maturity and are very easy to grow.

In very cold areas, it is still best to sow seed in trays and cover them with a sheet of glass, or place them in the shelter of a greenhouse.

Frost-free Areas 

Onions, peas, radish, lettuce, beetroot, silverbeet, spinach, cabbage, carrot, leek and cauliflower will grow with great vigour if the conditions are right. Rhubarb roots and asparagus crowns will also start to burst into growth. Side dressing with a general-purpose fertiliser will greatly benefit these crops.

Seeds of aubergine, tomato, capsicum, cucumber, marrow and beans can be sown in pots or trays and placed in a sunny position under glass or on an windowsill.

Well sprouted main-crop potatoes can also be planted out. Lay seed potatoes can also be planted out. Lay seed potatoes in a tray in a sunny place for 7 - 10 days until the "eyes" sprout, then plant in the garden.