It’s August, the holidays are here, and it’s time to really make the most of your garden. Keep your garden looking great this month with our top 15 gardening tips for August.
1. Water wisely
August can be hot and dry. By watering your plants deeply late in the evening or even early in the morning will minimise water loss due to evaporation.
2. Mulch Your Beds
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around your plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cooler during hot days.
3. Deadhead Flowers
Remove spent blooms from flowering plants to encourage more blooms and prevent them from going to seed.
4. Harvest Regularly
Continue harvesting ripe fruits and vegetables to encourage further production and prevent overripening.
5. Monitor Pests And Diseases
Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action, such as handpicking insects or using natural remedies.
6. Fertilize Container Plants
Feed your potted plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer to replenish nutrients lost through frequent watering.
7. Prune Summer-Flowering Shrubs
After they finish blooming, prune back overgrown or dead branches to shape the plants and promote new growth.
8. Start Autumn Crops Indoors
If you're planning to grow cool-season vegetables, start seeds indoors to get a head start on your Autumn garden.
9. Prepare For Autumn Planting
Clear out any spent crops and weeds from garden beds, amend the soil, and prepare it for Autumn planting.
10. Save Seeds
Collect and store seeds from your favourite plants for next year's garden. Make sure they are dry before storing them in a cool, dry place.
11. Plan For Late-Season Colour
Choose late-blooming flowers, such as asters and mums, to add vibrant colour to your garden in the coming months.
12. Weed Regularly
Stay on top of weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water.
13. Protect From Extreme Heat
Provide shade for delicate plants or use shade cloths to shield them from intense sun during peak afternoon hours.
14. Compost Garden Waste
Put kitchen scraps, plant clippings, and other garden waste in a compost pile to create nutrient-rich soil for next year.
15. Preserve Herbs
Harvest herbs at their peak, dry them, and store them in airtight containers for use during the winter months.
Borders looking tired? Visit our garden centre where you’ll find a fantastic range of shrubs and perennials to give your garden a late summer boost!
