Your garden in August: essential tasks and tips
August is a beautiful time in the garden. The summer blooms are at their peak, the vegetable harvest is in full swing and there’s a wonderful buzz of activity from bees and butterflies. But to keep your garden thriving through August and beyond, there are a few key tasks you’ll want to tackle. Here’s my guide to what you should do in your garden this month.
Keep an eye on watering
August can be one of the hottest months, so it’s crucial to keep your plants well-hydrated. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation.
Deep watering: Ensure a deep soak rather than a light sprinkle. This encourages roots to grow downwards, making plants more drought-resistant
Mulch: Mulching around plants helps retain moisture. Use organic materials like bark chips or compost
Deadheading and pruning
Keeping on top of deadheading and pruning will help your garden look neat and encourage more blooms.
Deadhead flowers: Remove spent flowers from perennials like roses, dahlias and geraniums to promote further blooming
Prune shrubs: Lightly prune summer-flowering shrubs like lavender and wisteria once their flowers have faded. Avoid heavy pruning as this can stress the plants
Harvesting veggies and fruits
August is harvest time for many vegetables and fruits. Regular harvesting encourages plants to produce more.
Vegetables: Harvest beans, tomatoes, courgettes and cucumbers regularly. Keep an eye out for ripe sweetcorn and potatoes
Fruits: Pick ripe apples, pears, plums and berries. Regular picking can help prevent pests and diseases
Preparing for autumn planting
It’s not too early to start thinking about your autumn garden. Planning and preparing now will give you a head start.
Order bulbs: Order spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips and crocuses. Plant them in September and October for a vibrant spring display
Prepare beds: Clear out any spent summer crops and weeds, and add compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil for autumn planting
Pest and disease control
Keeping pests and diseases in check is essential for maintaining a healthy garden.
Inspect plants: Regularly check plants for signs of pests like aphids, slugs and caterpillars. Remove any affected leaves or plants to prevent the spread
Natural remedies: Use natural pest control methods such as introducing beneficial insects or using homemade sprays like garlic or neem oil
Enjoy your garden
Finally, take the time to enjoy your garden! August is a great month to sit back and appreciate all your hard work.
Garden gatherings: Host a summer barbecue or garden party to share your beautiful space with friends and family
Relax: Find a quiet corner to read a book, sip a cool drink or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of your thriving garden
Conclusion
August is a busy but rewarding month in the garden. With these tips, you’ll keep your garden looking its best and prepare it for the changing seasons ahead. Happy gardening!