herbs to grow Vegetables to sow august pruning this month’s jobs
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Hazel Rowland
Lee Connelly
SheGrowsVeg
Kate Turner
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James Davis Editor August Edition
As the summer sun continues to grace our gardens with its warm embrace, we are thrilled to bring you the August edition of WhatToGrow. This month, our pages are blooming with vibrant ideas, expert tips, and inspiring stories to make your garden thrive during the peak of the season.
In this edition, discover the secrets to Dahlia Care, managing slug problems despite the midsummer heat. Learn about the best late-summer vegetables to plant now for a bountiful autumn harvest, and explore creative ways to engage with your children in the garden this summer.
Once again, thank you to our contributors for all your hard work.
Keep gardening!
Watering.
• For maximum flowering, dahlias need to be in full sun for at least 6 hours a day but don’t allow them to dry out. In hot weather they will need a good drink daily. Make sure the water gets down to the roots, ideally using a watering can aimed at the base.
• Mulch! After thoroughly soaking the compost, add a mulch around the base of the plant. This help keep the plants hydrated, and if you use an organic mulch like garden compost or well-rotted manure, it will also add nutrition.
Dahlia care
KATE TURNER @KTGARDENERGURU
Dahlias have become one of our favourite flowers to grow in the garden and to use as a cut flower for the home, and with so many varieties, forms and colours to choose, from the dinner plate size bloom of the Instagram favourite, ‘Café Au Lait’ to the less showy, popular pollinator plant, ‘Bishop of Llandaff’ there is a dahlia to suit every garden.
Although they can often be referred to as diva’s, dahlias are surprisingly easy to look after, and if you are growing dahlias this year and have managed to avoid slug and snail devastation, then there are a few care tips you need to follow to keep them looking their best and flowering their socks off from now through to October.
Feeding.
• Dahlias are hungry plants. To keep them throwing out bloom after bloom, they need to be fed regularly.
• If you are growing dahlias in the border, then you can add an organic granular feed around the base, gently forking it in and watering well,
• For plants in pots and containers, I always give them a weekly, liquid feed, alternating with a seaweed feed to keep the plant strong and healthy and an organic tomato feed that has extra potassium to promote flowering.
Staking
If you are growing any of the taller, heavier varieties like the dinner plate types then they need staking. Ideally, it’s always best to put in a framework at planting time but there are things you can do to help support any drooping stems:
• Use bamboo or hazel canes and tie each stem individually, being careful not to cut into the tuber
• Build a low framework around the base to support the whole plant.
• Use other plants in pots to support your dahlias. Shorter ornamental grasses work well as an invisible leaning post placed against dahlias. Try a grass such as ‘Miscanthu Yukeshima’ or Calamagrostis types.
Earwigs
As well as damage from slugs and snails, earwigs can cause problems for dahlias, eating the petals and crawling out unexpectedly from a bloom in a vase when you have friends round for supper!
Using a bamboo can inserted near your plants, stuff a terracotta or plastic pot full of straw and turn it upside down on top of the cane. The earwigs will crawl in and then the next day you can re locate them somewhere else in the garden. Never destroy them as they are useful predators, eating up aphids.
Flower power
Dahlias want to flower which is great news for us, but then they want to set seed and once they’ve done that they will stop flowering as there job is done. We need to keep deadheading the dahlias so they keep on producing buds rather than setting seed.
This is why deadheading (removing old flowerheads) constantly is so important if you
want those beautiful blooms all summer long. Sometimes it can be hard to know which is a bud and which is a spent flowerhead, so read below to know how to easily identify the two.
• Spent flowerhead – These are cone shaped and might have a brown tinge to the point. If you squeeze it, liquid may come out. Remove these.
• Flower buds – These are round and much fatter and won’t ooze any liquid. Keep these!
Don’t just snip behind the flower head though, go down to the next set of leaves and snip there, this will encourage more flowers to grow.
Always use sharp snips or scissors so you’re not bruising or snagging the stems. Keep cutting!
Many of us grow dahlias as a cut flower to bring into the home or give as gifts. This means you can keep cutting your dahlia blooms throughout the summer and this will have the same effect as deadheading as you are constantly encouraging the plant to keep producing more flowers.
Ideally cut in the morning when the flower is at its freshest, again cutting down to below a set of leaves, but don’t pick any unopened flower buds as once picked they won’t open.
Follow these simple steps above and I guarantee you will have bloom after bloom of these beautiful garden diva’s!
Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Slug Enemies Closer
Yes, I know—they’ve been rampant, haven’t they? It certainly is the year of the slug so far! Just ask any gardener. You’ll get your ear talked off about how many things have been munched! And of course, they’re good for the garden, but sometimes they take a munch too far.
We’ve been continuously setting up barriers and beer traps around our precious plants, but the battles are many, and we gardeners are weary. But what if we called in some cavalry? I’ve taken it upon myself to create more slug predator habitats, all on a budget! Why not try implementing some of these ideas or even adding more to this list:
Ponds: These serve a multitude of wildlife, including frogs and toads. My small pond is created from a storage box, buried up to the edge. It has a layer of grit at the bottom and half-submerged rocks for things to perch on and drink from. To keep the water oxygenated and clean, I’ve added native pond plants. Don’t forget a little ramp for easy access, along with some plants and cover for shade and shelter nearby.
Wild Spaces/Corners: Creating inviting, untouched areas in your garden will help increase habitat and food sources for slugmunching wildlife, such as hedgehogs and ground beetles.
Stone Slabs and Warm Spots: Slow-worms are sun-loving legless lizards. I always find them under a stone slab or metal sheet on my allotment or around my compost heap. They’re fun to watch and helpful in controlling insect and invertebrate populations.
Wood and Dead Foliage Piles: Depending on how big your piles are (you could even go as far as creating a ‘dead hedge’), these create habitat, shelter, and food for slug-eating predators like birds, hedgehogs, and ground beetles.
All these ideas are relatively cheap to create but highly valuable for enhancing biodiversity, interest, and wildlife in your garden. Above all else, they offer an ecological means of controlling slug populations! So why not give it a try and start bringing in the cavalry?
HAZEL ROWLAND @my.allotment.obsession
Why
It’s Important for Parents to Engage with Their Children in the Garden
LEE CONNELLY @skinnyjeangardener
I wanted to talk about something close to my heart, getting parents and children outside, growing together, and creating incredible memories in the garden. With the summer holidays upon us, there’s no better time to dive into the world of gardening as a family. Trust me, it’s not just about growing plants, it’s about growing relationships and learning valuable life lessons.
Gardening is a fantastic educational tool for children. It’s a hands-on way to teach them about science, nature, and sustainability. When kids plant seeds and watch them grow, they learn about the life cycle of plants and the importance of sunlight, water, and soil. It’s biology in action, right in your back garden! Over my years as a parent I’ve learnt that gardening teaches responsibility and patience. Children learn that plants need regular care, which involves watering, weeding, and protecting them from pests.
These tasks bring a sense of duty a nd the rewards of delayed gratification, skills that are invaluable throughout life. Math skills also come into play in the garden. Measuring out spaces for planting, counting seeds, and tracking growth rates can all be part of the gardening process. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some math practice without the kids even realising it, which I love!
One of the most beautiful aspects of gardening is the way it strengthens the bond
between parents and children. In today’s fast-paced world, finding quality time can be challenging, plus as we all know the draw of technology for children and us, can mean we miss what we have in front of us. Gardening provides a perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy each other’s company away from all of that! Working together on a common project creates teamwork and communication. It’s a chance to have meaningful conversations and share stories.
One thing I’ve noticed with my own daughter is she often open up more easily when their hands are busy and she’s engaged in an activity. Creating something together, like a flourishing garden, brings a sense of shared accomplishment. The pride and joy of harvesting the first fruits of your labor are moments that families cherish forever. These memories become the stories told for generations or hopefully at least for when she goes back to school in September.
Spending time outside has numerous benefits for both children and adults. Fresh air and physical activity are great for health, reducing stress, and improving mood. Gardening can be quite a workout too, digging, planting, and weeding are all excellent forms of exercise. Being outdoors also helps children develop a deeper connection to nature. They learn to appreciate the environment and understand the importance of conservation.
Three Fun Gardening Activities for Families
Ready to get started? Here are three gardening activities perfect for families to enjoy together:
The summer holidays are the perfect time to get out in the garden and start creating something amazing with your family. So grab your trowel, gather the kids, and let’s get growing! Remember, the garden is not just a place to grow plants, it’s a place to grow love, laughter, and lifelong bonds.
Happy gardening, and see you out there!
Create a Vegetable Patch:
Start a small vegetable garden in your garden or even in containers. Choose easy-to-grow veggies like tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce. Let the kids pick out their seeds and take part in the planting process. Watching their own vegetables grow and eventually harvesting them is a rewarding experience. The edible flowers can also be used to add a decorative touch to dishes.
Build a Butterfly Garden:
Plant flowers that attract butterflies, such as wildflowers, marigolds, or lavender. This project not only beautifies your garden but also teaches children about pollinators and their role in the ecosystem. It’s a great way to combine gardening with wildlife observation.
Design a Fairy Garden
Use small plants, pebbles, and miniature decorations to create a magical fairy garden. This activity stimulates creativity and imagination. Kids will love designing and tending to their tiny enchanted space. Plus, it can be done in a small area, making it perfect for patios or balconies. I even recently made a Jurassic park version that you can see on my Instagram!
Growing herbs in August
Tips for Successful Sowing in August
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-prepared, free of weeds, and enriched with compost.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Protection: Use cloches or fleece to protect seedlings from pests and cooler temperatures as autumn approaches.
Succession Sowing: Sow small amounts every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.
Mint
Thyme
Growing: Chives are easy to grow in pots or garden beds. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Using: Chives’ mild onion flavor is excellent in salads, omelets, and as a garnish for soups and baked potatoes. The edible flowers can also be used to add a decorative touch to dishes.
Growing: Mint prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s best grown in containers to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.
Using: Mint is refreshing in summer beverages like mojitos and iced teas. It’s also a key ingredient in sauces, salads, and desserts, adding a fresh, cooling flavor.
Basil
Rosemary
Growing: Rosemary is a hardy perennial that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be grown in containers or directly in the ground.
Using: Rosemary’s robust, pine-like flavor is ideal for roasting meats and vegetables. It can also be used to infuse oils and vinegars, providing a savory addition to many dishes.
Growing: Basil thrives in the warm, sunny conditions typical of August. Plant it in welldrained soil and ensure it gets plenty of sunlight.
Using: Fresh basil is perfect for making pesto, adding to salads, or garnishing pasta dishes. Its aromatic leaves are also great for flavoring soups and stews
Thyme
Growing: This herb is drought-tolerant and does well in sunny spots with well-drained soil. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can be grown in pots or garden beds.
Using: Thyme is versatile in the kitchen, enhancing the flavor of soups, stews, and roasted meats. It pairs well with other Mediterranean herbs and can be used fresh or dried.
SheGrowsVeg Brings Back Heirloom Seeds
Would you like to enliven your dishes with homegrown veg that looks and tastes incredible? Jet black tomatoes, stunning pale pink chicory that looks like a rose or salad leaves that taste like wasabi are just a few of the tasty veg that could grace your plate thanks to exciting seed brand, SheGrowsVeg.
SheGrowsVeg is disrupting the seed market with its range of over 150 open pollinated heirloom seed varieties that promise the most beautiful, unique and delicious veg to give your dishes the wow factor.
Launched by former jewellery designer to the stars, turned social media veg grower, Lucy Hutchings (@shegrowsveg), along with top marketeer and music festival organiser, Kate Cotterill, SheGrowsVeg brings the most unusual veg, fruit, and edible flowers to veg patches and plates everywhere.
SheGrowsVeg’s range is entirely open pollinated seed from heirloom or rare origins, meaning they are packed full of nutrients, are outstanding in the looks department and taste phenomenal.
Explains Lucy, “We want to disrupt the seed market with varieties that, up until now, have largely been unavailable. We firmly believe
that the only way to give yourself the most incredible range of ingredients, at a price that won’t break the bank, is to grow it yourself. You don’t have to be into gardening to grow food and we’ve created our range to give you beautiful open pollinated veg and the helping hand you need to get growing.”
SheGrowsVeg is perfect for everyone from ardent growers, to kitchen garden novices, along with experimental cooks who are dreaming of using unique and delicious produce they simply can’t buy in the shops. To help those new to growing their own, ‘Sow, Grow and Taste’ Youtube videos can be found via QR codes on every single pack, giving confidence to all.
So if you’re dreaming of bringing new colour, taste and variety to your plate, growing your own could be the answer and SheGrowsVeg will help you turn that dream into a reality. Each pack features stunning photography and jargon free instructions, making them a pleasure to collect. SheGrowsVeg has also carefully curated seed collections such as ‘chef’s choice’ and ‘top 5 heirloom tomatoes’ that make beautiful gifts tucked in little eco cotton bags.
To find out more about the huge variety of seeds available and to buy online visit www.shegrowsveg.com.
Summer-Flowering Shrubs for August Pruning
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August presents an excellent opportunity for targeted pruning of many summer-flowering shrubs in UK gardens.
This practice not only promotes bushier, more aesthetically pleasing plants but also encourages a more prolific display of flowers for the following season.
Here’s a guide to some popular summer bloomers and their specific August pruning approaches:
DAVID GALLACHER
Lavender (Lavandula):
This fragrant herb, often evergreen or semievergreen, produces stunning purple flowers during mid to late summer, complemented by its characteristic silvery-green foliage. All lavender varieties can undergo August pruning.
Following the flowering period, implement a light prune by reducing flowered stems by roughly one-third. This maintains a healthy form while encouraging further growth.
Buddleja davidii (Butterfly Bush):
This deciduous shrub is a magnet for butterflies, boasting fragrant, long flower spikes in vibrant hues of purple, pink, red, orange, and white, cascading from arching stems.
Varieties: All Buddleja davidii varieties benefit from August pruning.
For each flowered stem, implement a reduction of approximately onethird to half its length. Additionally, meticulously remove any dead, diseased, or damaged growth to optimise plant health.
Deutzia:
Deutzias are captivating deciduous shrubs showcasing clusters of delicate white or pink flowers adorning arching branches, typically blooming in late spring to early summer.
Focus on summer-flowering Deutzia varieties like Deutzia scabra and Deutzia magnifica for August pruning.
Once flowering has concluded, execute a light pruning to eliminate spent flowers. This encourages the development of a denser, bushier plant structure.
Callistemon (bottlebrush)
The flowers are produced on the tips of new shoots. Encourage bushy growth when young by tip-pruning after flowering in summer. Well established plants do not usually need routine pruning.
Laurus
Little or no pruning is usually required on informal shrubs, other than the removal of dead or damaged stems.
However, you can keep topiarized shrubs neat and rounded by pruning new growth back using a pair of secateurs. Bay laurel trained as standards will need any new shoots cut from the main stem. Hedges can also be trimmed for the second this time of year.
Other shrubs to prune include
Buddleja alternifolia
This elegant deciduous shrub bears its scented flowers on stems produced the previous year. So to ensure good flowering next year you need to prune immediately after flowering is over, which can be anytime from late June to the beginning of August. Remove any dead or damaged growth and shorten lop-sided or over-long shoots to balance the overall shape
Elaeagnus
Deciduous Elaeagnus angustifolia and E. umbellata varieties require little routine pruning other than the removal of dead or damaged stems..
Evergreen varieties of Elaeagnus x ebbingei, E. glabra, E. macrophylla and E. pungens require little pruning other than the removal of dead or damaged stems. Remove any plain greenleaved shoots as soon as they appear, cutting them back to their origin. Evergreen hedges can be trimmed at this time of year too.
Genista hispanica (broom)
To retain the plant’s bushy shape lightly trim the flowered stems immediately after flowering.
Do not prune back into woody stems because they are unlikely to re-sprout and never prune back hard since this may kill the shrub. Do not prune Genista lydia at all, since this does not respond to being cut back. Old and neglected shrubs are best replaced.
Ilex (holly)
Bushy evergreen hollies such as Ilex crenata as well as holly trees trained as hedges, such as the common or English holly, can be pruned to shape now that the growth has stopped but before the stems are fully ripened. It is important to leave the pruning of formal hedges to this time to avoid regrowth that will spoil the hedge’s neat outline.
Remove any plain green-leaved shoots on variegated varieties as soon as they are noticed, cutting them back to their origin.
Philadelphus
Several philadelphus can be pruned at this time of year.
You can prune mock orange (P. coronarius) now that flowering has finished to improve flowering for next year. Cut back flowered stems to a sideshoot that hasn’t produced flowers or to a plump bud. Alternatively you can prune in spring to get the best foliage displays.
To ensure good flowering on Philadelphus ‘Belle Etoile’ and ‘Virginal’ which bear their flowers on stems produced the previous year, prune immediately after flowering is over.
Pyracantha (firethorn)
Although pyracantha is normally pruned in mid-spring, wall-trained specimens can be pruned for a second time at this time of the year to expose the developing fruit to make the most of the berry display.
Sophora
No routine pruning is usually necessary, other than the removal of dead flowers or damaged stems. This is best carried out during midsummer when the cuts are less likely to bleed. Wall-trained specimens need tying into their support and any wayward stems cut back or removed completely. Old and neglected plants are best replaced.
Jobs for the garden in August
In August, gardens require a mix of maintenance and preparation work. Consider focusing on deadheading summer flowers like roses and dahlias to prolong their blooming, and ensure that plants are well-watered during any dry spells.
It’s an ideal time to harvest summer vegetables such as tomatoes, courgettes, and beans, and to begin sowing seeds for autumn and winter crops like kale and leeks. Additionally, August is perfect for dividing overcrowded perennials and taking cuttings from shrubs to propagate for next year.
Flower Beds and Borders
Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
Dividing Perennials: Divide and replant overcrowded perennials.
Planting: Start planting autumn-flowering bulbs such as crocuses, colchicums, and sternbergias.
Trees and Shrubs
Pruning: Trim hedges and shrubs that have finished flowering.
Watering: Ensure newly planted trees and shrubs are well-watered during dry periods.
Vegetables and Fruits
Harvesting: Harvest crops regularly to encourage continued production. This includes beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
Sowing: Sow seeds for autumn and winter crops such as spinach, kale, radishes, and turnips.
Pruning: Prune summer-fruiting raspberries after they have finished fruiting.
Supporting Plants: Ensure tall plants are wellsupported to prevent them falling over.
Lawn Care
Mowing: Continue mowing the lawn regularly, but raise the mower blades to avoid scalping the grass.
Watering: Water the lawn during dry spells to keep it green and healthy.
Feeding: Apply a summer lawn feed if needed to keep the grass vigorous.
Composting
Turning: Turn the compost heap to aerate it and speed up decomposition.
Adding Material: Add garden waste and kitchen scraps to the compost heap.
Vegetables to sow in August
Tips for Successful Sowing in August
Soil Preparation: Ensure the soil is well-prepared, free of weeds, and enriched with compost.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
Protection: Use cloches or fleece to protect seedlings from pests and cooler temperatures as autumn approaches.
Succession Sowing: Sow small amounts every few weeks to ensure a continuous harvest.
Spring Onions
Hardy varieties like ‘White Lisbon’ are ideal.
Kale
Hardy varieties like ‘Nero di Toscana’ or ‘Curly Kale’ can be sown for winter harvesting.
Spring
Cabbage
Sown in July, they will mature over winter.
Chard
‘Rainbow Chard’ and ‘Swiss Chard’ are great for sowing in August.
Winter Radish
Varieties like ‘Black Spanish Round’ can be sown now.
Parsley
Can be sown now to provide leaves throughout the winter.
Peas
‘Meteor’ or other early varieties can be sown for a late autumn harvest.
Carrots
Early varieties like ‘Nantes’ can be sown for a late harvest.
Kohlrabi
‘Purple Vienna’ and ‘White Vienna’. Sow for harvesting in late autumn.
E-gardeners
@emmasallotmentdiaries
Planting Charlotte potatoes ready for an Xmas harvest!
Charlotte potatoes are second earlies (which means they will take about 3 months to grow). They are perfect for growing in containers such as grow bags!
Great for smaller spaces too and easy to protect against frost (just fleece over!)
@gardening.with.cara
I love love LOVE sharing my garden with you all & it’s lovely to have a place I can share it with likeminded people.
I’m truly making it up, learning from others & most of all- enjoying it! After all, this is my passion and the ‘thing’ I do when the stresses of life begin to mount.
Thank you all for sharing my love of gardening & following my journey so far.
@thecookingardener
Today I fitted a water butt from British company Ecosure. This water butt is a modern rainwater harvesting system designed to collect and store rainwater for various uses, helping to conserve water and reduce utility bills. You can even plant seasonal floral displays on the top of this water butt. Making it look even nicer
@thehedgehogsociety
Need a #summerholiday activity to keep the family entertained?
Why not build a mini #wildlife pond or a wild, rockery garden or log pile...?
Get outside & do something brilliant for biodiversity& great for hungry #hedgehogs too!
@ uncletomsrosetonic
Princesse Louise just bursting into action and so many tight buds still to come! A real giver and show stopper, looking fabulous against the brick wall!
‘A sustainable solution for today’s gardener, promoting a good root system, healthy foliage and an abundance of blooming buds’.
@gardeninthecountry
Things are getting more difficult to hide now as all of the new plants are flowering, it was easy to sneak in green blobs of foliage but now they are flowering not so much!
Wool Pots are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and plants love them!
500 million plastic plant pots go to landfill in the UK every year. They take over 400 years to break down, so we created an alternative which reduces plastic and helps our planet.
Use like a normal pot with seeds or cuttings, and when plants are big enough to go into the garden, dig a hole and put the whole Wool Pot in. Leave the collar proud of the soil as wool is a natural slug deterrent.
No plastic, no disposal issues and no waste… not bad for a plant pot!
For more information and to purchase please go to www.wool-pots.co.uk
