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.