August gardening tips from allotment specialist

Brits have been told that they should be filling their gardens and greenhouses with seeds for autumn-cropping vegetables.

Preston Lane Allotments expert John Doherty recently spoke to BBC News about what growers should be busying themselves with during August.

He explained that those who do plan to grow their own produce should plant greens like pak choi now as they are unlikely to go to seed during autumn.

Smaller varieties of lettuce can also be planted, with gardeners being advised to shade their vegetable patches with fleece to help encourage growth.

Those keen to ensure they have lettuce right into the colder months should opt for varieties like Winter Density or Valdor, Mr Doherty added.

"It will benefit from some protection from the worst of the winter weather in a cloche, cold frame or cold greenhouse," he told the news provider.

The expert explained that vegetables often give a sign when they are ready to be harvested when their leaves turn yellow and fall down.

According to the BBCs daily gardening calendar, growers should keep on top of weeding and watering today (August 11th).