August is the month to reap the rewards of your gardening efforts. With the sun’s warmth at its peak, your vegetables and fruits are likely ripening quickly. It’s essential to harvest them regularly to prevent them from becoming overripe and to encourage your plants to continue producing.

One of the easiest and most important tasks is to pick your crops frequently. Courgettes, for instance, grow at an astonishing rate. If you leave them on the plant for too long, they can grow massively. Harvesting them when they’re small and tender not only makes them tastier but also signals the plant to produce more flowers and, therefore, more fruit. The same principle applies to French and runner beans. Picking them often, when they’re still young and crisp, ensures a continuous supply and prevents the plants from putting all their energy into a few overgrown pods.

Tomatoes are another crop that benefits from regular harvesting. Pick them as soon as they turn their final colour—red, yellow, or purple, depending on the variety. This practice allows the plant to focus its energy on ripening the remaining fruit. If you have an abundance, consider making sauces.

Don’t forget about other summer crops such as cucumbers, peppers, and aubergines. Pick them as soon as they reach a good size. Additionally, keep an eye on your fruit trees and bushes. Plums, apples, and blackberries are often ready for picking in August. Harvesting them promptly ensures you get the best flavour. Enjoy the bounty of your garden!