August 16, 2025 Weekly Gardening Guide
Episode Transcript
Welcome back to The Keep Growing Podcast, where we help you cultivate abundance in your garden, one week at a time. I'm your host, John Morgan, and today we're diving into Week 34 of 2025, covering August 16th through the 22nd. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, we've got the key tasks, lunar insights, and weather updates to keep your plot thriving. Let's get into it.
First off, let's align with the moon's rhythm. The Last Quarter Moon hits on Saturday, August 16th. In lunar gardening traditions, this phase signals a barren time—ideal for maintenance rather than new plantings. Use this window to turn your compost piles, aerate the soil, and tackle any weeding or bed prep. It's all about building a strong foundation for what's ahead, so roll up your sleeves and give your garden some TLC without expecting explosive growth.
Now, shifting to the weather here in the Mid-Ohio Valley—it's shaping up to be a steamy start to the week. From Saturday through Monday, expect hot and humid conditions, with heat index values pushing into the middle to upper 90s in the lower elevations. Folks, that's no joke; make sure you're hydrating, working in the cooler parts of the day, and watching for signs of heat stress on your plants. Things get a bit more dynamic after that—the chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms ramps up each day from Sunday onward, continuing through the middle of next week. A frontal system is approaching and then stalling over the region, which could bring some much-needed moisture but also the risk of heavy downpours. Keep an eye on your local radar, and if you're seeding or planting, aim for those drier windows early in the week to avoid washing out your efforts.
Alright, onto the main garden tasks for Week 34. These are tailored for late summer transitions, focusing on cool-season crops and prepping for fall harvests. Here's what to prioritize:
Seed winter sprouting broccoli: This is a hardy variety that overwinters beautifully and gives you those tender shoots come spring. Sow directly in well-drained soil, about a quarter-inch deep, in rows spaced 18 inches apart. It's low-maintenance and packed with nutrients—perfect for extending your growing season.
Seed turnips: These fast-growing root veggies love the cooling temps ahead. Plant seeds half an inch deep in loose soil, thinning seedlings to 4-6 inches apart. They're versatile in the kitchen, from roasting to pickling, and you could be harvesting in as little as 30-60 days.
Plant collards: Time to get these leafy greens in the ground for a robust fall crop. Transplant seedlings or direct-sow in fertile, moist soil, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart. Collards are frost-tolerant superstars, so they'll keep producing even as the weather turns.
Apply nitrogen to strawberries: Your berry patches need a boost now to build strong crowns for next year's fruit. Use a balanced organic fertilizer like blood meal or composted manure, working it lightly into the soil around the plants. Avoid overdoing it—about a pound per 100 square feet should do the trick—and water it in well to prevent burn.
Remember, with that incoming rain, mulch around your new plantings to retain moisture and suppress weeds. If you're in a hotter microclimate, consider shade cloth for the first few days to ease transplants in. And as always, observe your garden's unique needs—soil tests and companion planting can make all the difference.
That's a wrap for Week 34, growers. Thanks for tuning in to The Keep Growing Podcast—keep experimenting, stay connected to the earth, and remember: every seed planted is a step toward self-sufficiency. If you've got questions or success stories, drop them in the comments or hit me up on social. Until next time, keep growing!
