August in the garden
August is a month for enjoying the garden, but it can also be hot, dry and incredibly productive.
The main priorities are keeping plants watered, harvesting crops and extending displays for as long as possible.
1. Keep Watering Containers
Hanging baskets and pots can dry incredibly quickly.
Check them regularly and water thoroughly when required.
2. Harvest Vegetables
Tomatoes, beans, courgettes and many other crops should now be producing heavily.
Harvest frequently to enjoy crops at their best and, in some cases, encourage further production.
3. Deadhead Dahlias and Other Flowers
Regular deadheading keeps displays looking fresh and can encourage more flowers.
4. Collect Seeds
As seed heads mature, start collecting seed from plants you’d like to grow again.
Choose a dry day and label everything carefully.
5. Trim Lavender
Many established lavenders can be lightly trimmed after flowering.
Avoid cutting deeply into old woody growth.
6. Look After the Lawn
During drought conditions, don’t panic if grass turns brown.
Raise your mowing height and avoid unnecessary stress. Established lawns can be surprisingly resilient.
7. Prune Summer-Flowering Shrubs Where Appropriate
Some shrubs benefit from pruning after flowering, but always check the requirements of the particular plant before reaching for the secateurs.
8. Keep Ponds Topped Up
Monitor water levels during warm spells and remove excessive dead vegetation where necessary.
9. Plan Autumn Planting
Start deciding which bulbs, trees, shrubs and perennials you’d like to introduce once autumn planting season arrives.
10. Enjoy the Harvest
Whether it’s tomatoes from the greenhouse or herbs from a windowsill pot, August is a month to enjoy what you’ve grown.
Summer Isn’t Over Yet
August may feel like the beginning of the end of summer, but there can still be weeks of colour and harvests ahead.
Keep watering, picking and deadheading and make the most of it.
Gardeners Guide — Grow Better. Garden Smarter.
