10 things to do in the garden during August
Feel the pinch
Remove side shoots from tomato plants to prevent them from growing rapidly and forming a mass of leafy stems that are difficult to support and produce few fruits. Every time you water, check the plant for any shoots sprouting above each leaf and pinch off.
Sharp hedges
Hedges can be given a final trim now before they stop growing, but before you get your shears out, check the garden birds have left their breeding nests. Pick a nice cool day for this hot job.
Feeding time
August is the month for watering, and lots of it! It’s especially important for container-grown plants and border plantings not yet established. If you can, use a water butt to preserve water and add a thick layer of mulch to help retain moisture.
Holiday cover
If you’re going away, move containers into the shade to help reduce drying out, or for longer holiday breaks consider installing an automatic irrigation system.
Festive feast
It’s time to plant late-season potatoes for Christmas. Plant three tubers to a 30cm-40cm container or potato grow bag that is half full of compost. As the plant grows, keep topping up the compost until the container is full. Make sure to protect the plant when the weather gets colder.
Dry patch
During dry weather, raise the blades on your mower to allow the grass to grow a little bit longer. This will keep it greener and help retain moisture. Don't worry if your grass does turn brown as it will soon green up again when the rain inevitably returns.
Keeping trim
Cut back English lavenders ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ once they have finished flowering. Prune back quite hard, to just above the new green shoots which are growing towards the bottom of the stems. Be sure to leave all these green shoots intact and you should have a blooming plant again next year.
Butterfly effect
August is the breeding season for many of our butterflies. If there aren’t many visiting your garden, consider planting a buddleia or ‘butterfly bush’. Choose a sunny but sheltered spot – butterflies like to bask where there is little wind that might harm their delicate wings.
Stake out
Support top-heavy, late-flowering perennials to prevent them toppling over in a sudden downpour or gust of wind. Place four canes around dahlias, asters, and helianthus, then tie a length of twine to a cane and wrap around stems. To ensure plants don’t flop, keep the twine tight.
Most importantly
I think that’s enough jobs to keep us going in August. I’ve saved the best job for last which is to chill out and enjoy the garden you’ve worked so hard all year to grow.
Plant of the month: Dahlias
Dahlias usually make their first appearance in July, but it's in August when they really take off, combining well with other flowers such as cosmos, phlox and sunflowers. These colourful stunners love morning sunshine and are the perfect filler for any gaps in your summer borders.
