Autumn Veg, Bulbs & Late-Summer Blooms
Plants to Sow in Late August in South East London include autumn vegetables, spring-flowering bulbs, and hardy perennials. Discover what to plant now for a thriving garden this season and next. As summer winds down and cooler evenings begin to settle in, late August becomes a strategic time for gardeners in South East London. While many people think of the end of summer as the end of the growing season, it’s actually the perfect window to begin sowing for autumn harvests, spring blooms, and even some hardy perennials. Whether you’re gardening in a compact courtyard in Lewisham, a suburban plot in Greenwich, or a raised bed in Dulwich, this period is full of potential.
The milder climate of South East London offers unique planting opportunities in August. The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages germination, while cooler air temperatures reduce the risk of heat stress. This makes it the ideal moment to refresh your garden with new life and ensure beauty and productivity well into autumn—and even next spring.
Why Late August is Ideal for Planting
Late August combines the best of both seasons: lingering warmth from summer and the first hints of autumn moisture. These conditions are perfect for starting fast-growing vegetables, autumn-flowering plants, and spring bulbs that require winter dormancy.
For gardeners looking to extend their harvest or create early spring displays, planting now allows roots to establish before the colder months arrive. Proper planning now ensures a vibrant garden throughout autumn and a stunning reawakening come March or April.
Let’s explore the best types of plants to focus on at this time of year:
Autumn Vegetables: Sowing for the Season Ahead
If you’re a kitchen garden enthusiast, August is your last real chance to sow crops that will be ready before or during the early part of winter. Focus on fast-growing, cool-weather vegetables that thrive in shorter daylight and lower temperatures.
🥬 Leafy Greens
Lettuce, spinach, and mizuna can be sown directly into the soil or into containers. Choose varieties labeled “autumn-hardy” or “cold-tolerant.” These greens will germinate quickly in warm soil and grow steadily as the weather cools.
🥦 Brassicas
Crops like kale, spring cabbage, and purple sprouting broccoli are ideal for planting now. These plants love cooler weather and will establish strong roots in September, allowing for vigorous growth in early spring. If starting from seed seems too late, many garden centres in South East London offer plug plants this time of year.
🥕 Root Veg
You can also sow radishes, beetroot, and turnips. These mature quickly and can be harvested within 6–10 weeks. Radishes in particular are great for small urban gardens as they need minimal space.
✅ Tip:
Prepare your soil with well-rotted compost and keep young seedlings well-watered, especially during any remaining hot days in South East London. Covering with horticultural fleece can also deter pests like cabbage white butterflies and flea beetles.
Spring-Flowering Bulbs: Plant Now, Bloom Later
August is also the beginning of bulb planting season, especially for those who want colourful displays in early spring. Planting now gives bulbs time to settle in and begin root growth before winter.
🌷 Tulips
While tulips are often planted later (September–November), you can start preparing the soil now by digging and improving drainage, particularly in heavy London clay soils.
🌼 Daffodils and Narcissus
These are ideal for planting in late August through September. Choose early-flowering varieties like ‘February Gold’ or ‘Tête-à-Tête’ for cheerful late-winter blooms.
🌸 Crocus and Snowdrops
For smaller spaces or containers, early crocuses and snowdrops provide welcome bursts of colour before most other plants wake up. These are especially effective planted along borders or beneath deciduous trees.
✅ Tip:
Ensure bulbs are planted at 2–3 times their depth and spaced well apart. Avoid soggy ground—South East London’s variable drainage can cause bulbs to rot if left in waterlogged soil.
Perennials and Late-Summer Flowers
August is also a smart time to add perennials and late-blooming annuals to your garden. These can bring beauty to your outdoor space as summer flowers begin to fade, while also laying the foundation for future seasons.
🌿 Hardy Perennials
Plants like echinacea, rudbeckia, and asters are still available in pots and can be planted now to establish before frost. These are loved by pollinators and will return stronger next year.
🌺 Pansies and Violas
These cool-loving annuals can be planted in late August to ensure a splash of colour through autumn and even into winter. They’re excellent for containers, hanging baskets, or edging garden beds.
✅ Tip:
Water new plantings thoroughly and mulch around their base to retain moisture and suppress late-summer weeds. Adding organic matter now helps improve soil structure before autumn rain sets in.
Planning Ahead: Companion Planting & Soil Health
Late August is also a great time to think about companion planting and soil enrichment. After harvesting summer crops, rotate your vegetables to avoid pest build-up and introduce nitrogen-fixing plants like broad beans or peas, which can be sown now and improve soil fertility for next spring.
Add a layer of organic mulch or green manure to bare beds to protect them from erosion and prepare them for future planting. In compact urban gardens, this practice can greatly reduce weed growth and retain valuable nutrients.
Make the Most of August with Urban Gardeners
If you’re unsure what to plant or how to prepare your garden for the next season, Urban Gardeners can help. We provide seasonal planting plans, soil preparation, and garden makeovers across South East London, including Brockley, Forest Hill, Blackheath, and Deptford.
Whether you need help planting bulbs, refreshing your beds, or transforming your lawn and borders for autumn, our team of experts is here to support you every step of the way.
📞 Call us today at 07760 800 457 to book your late-summer garden service and make the most of every planting opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the end of summer fool you—late August is a time of opportunity in the garden. With the right selections, you can enjoy a second wave of growth, vibrant autumn harvests, and colourful spring blooms. From fast-growing veg to classic daffodils and reliable perennials, now is the perfect time to invest a little effort for a big seasonal reward.
With the support of Urban Gardeners in South East London, your garden can stay active, productive, and beautiful—long after summer has faded.
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