August 2, 2025 - Weekly Gardening Guide
Episode Transcript
Welcome back to the Keep Growing Podcast! I’m your host, John Morgan, here to guide you through another week of gardening goodness. It’s Week 32 of 2025, covering August 2nd through August 8th, and we’ve got a packed episode for you today. We’re diving into planting fall crops, tackling downy mildew, and keeping those pesky broadleaf lawn weeds in check. Plus—big news! After a few pre-recorded episodes, I’m back to recording the night before the episode drops starting next week, which means the gardening weather forecast is making its triumphant return. Stay tuned for that. Let’s get growing!
Segment 1: Seed Spinach, Carrots, and Lettuce for a Fall Crop
Alright, gardeners, it’s time to think ahead to those crisp fall days. Early August is prime time to seed cool-season crops like spinach, carrots, and lettuce for a bountiful fall harvest. Here’s the game plan:
Spinach: Choose a spot with partial shade to keep the soil cooler. Sow seeds about half an inch deep, spaced an inch or two apart. Varieties like ‘Bloomsdale’ or ‘Winter Giant’ are great for fall. Keep the soil moist for germination, which takes about 5 to 10 days.
Carrots: Go for shorter-season varieties like ‘Nantes’ or ‘Chantenay’ to ensure they mature before the first frost. Sow seeds a quarter-inch deep in loose, well-drained soil—nobody wants a crooked carrot! Thin seedlings to about 2 inches apart once they’re up.
Lettuce: Leaf lettuces or romaine types shine in fall. Sow seeds lightly, about an eighth of an inch deep, and thin to 6 to 8 inches apart. Try ‘Black-Seeded Simpson’ or ‘Winter Density’ for cold tolerance.
Pro tip: Use a lightweight row cover to protect young seedlings from heat and pests. Check your local frost dates to time these plantings—most of these crops need 6 to 8 weeks to mature. Get those seeds in the ground this week, and you’ll be harvesting fresh greens and roots well into autumn.
Segment 2: Watch for Downy Mildew
Next up, let’s talk about a sneaky garden villain: downy mildew. This fungal disease loves the warm, humid days of late summer and can hit crops like cucumbers, squash, grapes, and even your spinach and lettuce if you’re not careful. Here’s what to watch for:
Look for yellow or pale green spots on the upper leaf surfaces, often with a fuzzy, grayish-white or purplish growth on the undersides.
Affected leaves can turn brown, curl, or drop, stunting your plants’ growth.
To stay ahead of downy mildew:
Improve air circulation: Space plants properly and prune excess foliage.
Water wisely: Water at the base, not overhead, and do it early in the day so leaves dry out.
Fungicides: If you spot early signs, organic options like copper-based sprays can help, but always follow label instructions.
Check your garden daily this week, especially after rain or muggy weather. Catching downy mildew early can save your harvest.
Segment 3: Control Broadleaf Lawn Weeds
Now, let’s shift to the lawn. Broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and plantain are probably laughing at your grass right now, especially after summer stress. Early August is a great time to take control before they set seed for next year. Here’s how:
Identify the enemy: Broadleaf weeds have wide, flat leaves, unlike grassy weeds. Snap a pic and use a plant ID app if you’re unsure.
Manual removal: For small infestations, hand-pull weeds after rain when the soil is soft. Get the whole root—dandelions are notorious for growing back.
Herbicides: For larger areas, use a selective broadleaf herbicide labeled for your lawn type. Apply on a calm, dry day when temps are below 85°F to avoid stressing your grass. Spot-treat where possible to minimize chemical use.
Lawn health: The best defense is a thick, healthy lawn. Overseed thin spots this fall and fertilize appropriately to crowd out weeds.
Take a walk across your lawn this week and make a plan. A little effort now will keep your grass looking sharp into next season.
Closing Remarks
That’s a wrap for Week 32, folks! To recap: get those spinach, carrot, and lettuce seeds in the ground for a fall crop, keep an eye out for downy mildew, and show those broadleaf lawn weeds who’s boss. I’m thrilled to be back to live recording next week, so get ready for the return of our gardening weather forecast to help you plan your week.
If you’re loving the Keep Growing Podcast, please leave us a review on your favorite platform—it helps other gardeners find us. Got a question or tip? Drop me a line {Email} or via our website. Until next week, keep your hands in the dirt and keep growing!
