Keep up the good work

COMPOST typically has only four to six weeks of food within, so look to boost this once a week with a plant food high in sulphate of potash.

Carry on the good work started in July by continuing to regularly care for your patio and container plants, which will be enjoying their peak.

I’d recommend watering in the evening, once the sun goes off them, so they’ll have all night to soak up a good, long drink.

It’s also worth remembering that some smaller containers might even need to be watered twice a day.

Another simple fix is dead heading. Not only does it help keep the container looking its best and most colourful, it also focuses the plant’s energy into stronger growth – and creating more beautiful flowers.

The method for dead heading very much depends on the type of flower.

Fuchsias, verbena, marigolds and petunias can be removed with finger and thumb.

But when it comes to geraniums, it’s best to hold the faded flower stalk near the base and pull downwards – then the old bloom should snap cleanly off.

Others will look after themselves – typically, bacopa, bedding lobelia and salvias will neatly deadhead themselves.

It’s also important to remember our feathered friends before you lop off any plants that produce seeds.

Make sure to leave rudbeckias, cornflowers or sunflowers – they may be looking a bit past their best, but they’ll certainly be enjoyed by the birds. For further advice on how to keep your garden looking its best throughout August, visit diy.com.