Gardening jobs for August

August is a warm and abundant month in the garden, with flowers in full bloom and a wealth of fruit and vegetables ready to harvest. It’s a time to maintain, tidy, and enjoy the garden’s summer peak.

General maintenance includes regular watering, focusing on pots, hanging baskets, and thirsty crops like tomatoes. Mulch around plants to retain moisture during dry spells and reduce the need for watering. Deadhead flowers to prolong blooming and keep the garden tidy. Watch for pests such as caterpillars and powdery mildew, and remove or treat affected areas promptly.

In ornamental gardening, keep borders looking fresh by removing faded blooms and trimming back overgrown perennials. Collect seeds from plants like foxgloves and poppies to sow next year. Cut back herbs like lavender and thyme after flowering to maintain their shape. Take semi-ripe cuttings from shrubs such as hydrangeas and fuchsias. Prune summer-flowering shrubs once their blooms have faded, and tie in new growth on climbers such as clematis.

For fruit and vegetable gardening, harvest crops like beans, courgettes, cucumbers, and tomatoes regularly to encourage further production. Pick ripe fruit such as plums, peaches, and blackberries before they over-ripen. Sow fast-growing crops like radishes, spinach, and lettuce for late-season harvests. Cut back herbs to promote a fresh flush of growth and freeze or dry them for later use. Start planning for autumn by clearing out spent crops and preparing soil for winter planting.

Lawn care in August involves mowing less frequently if the weather is hot and dry to avoid stressing the grass. Water during prolonged dry periods if restrictions allow, and consider leaving some areas uncut to support wildlife. Aerate compacted areas and repair any bare patches to keep the lawn in good condition.

Wildlife and sustainability tasks include providing plenty of fresh water for birds, bees, and other creatures during hot weather. Leave some seed heads on plants to provide food for birds and shelter for insects. Avoid disturbing hedgehogs and other wildlife resting in dense foliage or compost heaps. Plant late-flowering nectar-rich species like sedum and asters to support pollinators into autumn.

August is a month for making the most of your garden’s bounty while staying on top of essential maintenance to ensure it remains healthy and productive as summer transitions to autumn.