The Veg Grower Podcast

#617: August Sowing, Allotment Therapy & The Power of Pak Choi


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Welcome back to this week’s episode of the Veg Grower Podcast, where we share our journey of growing food here on the South Coast of the UK and inspire you to do the same—whatever your space!

This Week in the Garden

In this episode, I reflect on a much-needed day at the allotment. With ongoing home renovations weighing heavily, I took a full day to reset among the raised beds, buzzing bees (including one surprise wasp’s nest!), and late summer crops. There’s something about the allotment that clears the mind, and I really needed that mental escape this week.

After a good tidy with the strimmer and lawn mower, I experimented with the chop-and-drop method—leaving weeds and trimmings on the soil surface to decompose and feed the beds in place. I also checked on our cabbages where the first earlies were previously growing, and they’re settling in nicely. Our maincrop potatoes are beginning to yellow, a clear sign they’re nearly ready for harvest.

And yes, I did get stung (on the ear!)—a not-so-friendly reminder that we share our spaces with nature. Always tread carefully!

Seed of the Month: Pak Choi

August may seem like a quiet time for sowing, but it’s actually perfect for leafy crops—and pak choi is our standout pick. Fast-growing, versatile, and brilliant in everything from stir-fries to Thai green curries, pak choi thrives in the cooler evenings of August without bolting.

Here’s how I sow it:

  • Start in plug trays with seed compost, 1cm deep.
  • Germinate in the propagation shed, then plant out in 2–3 weeks.
  • Space at 20cm apart for full heads or closer for baby leaves.
  • Consistent watering is essential to avoid bolting.
  • Mulch well and protect with mesh to fend off flea beetle and butterflies.
  • Within 6–8 weeks, you’ll be harvesting full heads—or much sooner for baby leaves!

    Buy your seeds from our trusted suppliers

    • Ruby f1 a red leaved pak choi
    • White stem, one of my most regullery grown pak choi varities
    • Qing choi an intersting but large variety
    • Recipe of the Week: Cauliflower Pakoras

      Chef Scott is back with a tasty treat—crispy cauliflower pakoras (or use any mix of veg). They’re packed with spice and easy to whip up. You’ll need cauliflower, gram flour, mint, coriander, and a warming blend of cumin, garam masala, Kashmiri chilli powder and more. Simply whisk, mix and fry. Find the full recipe on our website or Chef Scott’s Instagram @seedtotableplot13.

      Seeds You Can Still Sow in August

      Don’t be fooled—August has plenty of sowing potential. Some crops to get in the ground now include:

      • Leafy greens: spinach, rocket, mizuna, lettuce, corn salad
      • Orientals: pak choi, mustard greens
      • Overwintering onions & spring onions
      • Turnips, radicchio, chard, kohl rabi
      • Chillies (for overwintering)
      • Green manures for soil health
      • These will give you a harvest later this year or set you up nicely for winter and spring.

        Listener Comments

        Thank you for all the feedback on Spotify this week! We heard from:

        • Henry who’s been experimenting with compost and straw mulch.
        • Becky, new to veg growing, is hoping for a patty pan squash recipe (Scott’s on it!).
        • Linda, with 25 years of chicken-keeping wisdom, recommends avoiding wooden coops.
        • And Natalie, who raised a great question about washing recyclables. We’ll dig into that one!
        • If you would like to support this podcast then please consider becoming a member of our supporters club or use some of affiliate links below for items you might be buying. We might get a little commission

          • Premier seeds direct for all your seed needs
          • Autopot uk a revolutionary watering system for growing the best veg easily. User discount code auto10rvg for 10%off
          • ...more
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            The Veg Grower PodcastBy Richard

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