Most gardeners think August is too late, but this expert's 5 fast veg seeds can still turn bare beds into autumn feasts

His late-summer tactics, from plug trays to anti-bolting tricks and simple pest barriers, promise surprisingly generous pickings just weeks before the first frosts. He spotlights five speedy crops—mixing leafy veg, herbs and roots—and explains how to sow, space, water and protect them in cooler conditions. By August, gardeners assume the work is over and it is time to coast, but gardening expert Benedict Vanheems argues this is when to sow again, with five speedy crops that turn late summer into an autumn feast. Benedict describes late summer as a time when those who missed earlier sowing dates can reset the season, turning gaps in the veg patch into a second wave of salads, crunchy stems and sweet roots. The five seeds he recommends are:Pak choi for glossy leaves in stir-fries or salads.