August 23, 2025 Weekly Gardening Guide

Episode Transcript

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John Morgan: Hello, fellow growers, and welcome back to the Keep Growing Podcast! I'm your host, John Morgan, and I'm thrilled to be here with you today as we dive into Week 35 of our gardening calendar. We're talking about the period from August 23rd to August 29th—a time when summer starts to wind down, and we shift our focus toward those cool-season crops that will keep our gardens thriving into fall. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, we've got some practical tips to help you make the most of this week. Let's get growing!

First off, let's check in on the weather for the Mid-Ohio Valley, because as we all know, Mother Nature calls the shots in the garden. According to the forecast, we're in for mainly dry and significantly cooler conditions at the start of the new work week. This follows a cold front passing through on Sunday, with broad surface high pressure moving in from the west. High temperatures will hover in the 70s across the lowlands, while the mountains see upper 50s and 60s. Tuesday looks to be the coolest day of the bunch. This cooler, drier spell is perfect for getting out there without breaking a sweat—ideal for seeding and tending to your beds. Just keep an eye on any overnight lows, as they could dip, so protect any tender plants if needed.

Now, onto our main tasks for the week. With the cooler weather rolling in, it's prime time to start seeding those fall favorites. Let's break it down:

First up: Seed Ethiopian kale as a replacement for arugula. If your arugula has bolted in the summer heat or you're just looking for a hardy alternative, Ethiopian kale is a fantastic choice. It's got that peppery bite similar to arugula but holds up better in cooler temps. Sow it directly in well-drained soil, about a quarter-inch deep, and space the seeds 6 to 12 inches apart. It germinates quickly in these conditions, and you'll be harvesting tender leaves in no time. Pro tip: Mix in some compost for extra nutrients to give it a strong start.

Next, don't forget to seed fall green bunching onions. These are the unsung heroes of the fall garden—easy to grow, cold-tolerant, and perfect for adding flavor to soups and salads. Plant them in rows about 1 to 2 inches apart, and thin as they grow. They'll overwinter in milder climates and give you fresh greens right through to spring. With the dry weather ahead, water them consistently to keep the soil moist until they establish.

We're also seeding kale and kohlrabi this week. Kale is a powerhouse—nutrient-dense and frost-resistant. Varieties like Lacinato or Red Russian do great when seeded now. For kohlrabi, that quirky bulb-like veggie, aim for quick-maturing types. Both love the cooler highs in the 70s we're expecting. Sow kale seeds half an inch deep, and kohlrabi a bit shallower. Space them out to avoid crowding, and mulch around them to retain moisture during any dry spells.

And finally, it's time to turn that compost pile. Composting is the backbone of sustainable gardening, and turning it aerates the mix, speeds up decomposition, and prevents any funky smells. With the cooler weather, it's a less sweaty chore—grab your pitchfork, flip the pile, and add some browns like leaves if it's too wet. Your future plants will thank you for that black gold!

Speaking of timing, we've got a New Moon on Saturday, August 23rd—the perfect lunar phase for planting seeds and transplants. In biodynamic gardening traditions, the New Moon is all about new beginnings and root energy, making it an auspicious time to get those seeds in the ground. If you're into syncing your garden with the cosmos, this is your cue!

Alright, growers, that's your roadmap for Week 35. Cooler weather, lunar support, and a focus on fall seeding—it's all coming together for a productive week. Remember, gardening is about persistence and joy, so keep experimenting and sharing your successes. If you've got questions or stories from your plot, drop us a line on social media or our website. Until next time, this is John Morgan signing off—keep growing!

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