Garden tips for August
Cut back herbaceous perennials that have already gone over and tie up those that are taller and starting to deteriorate to keep the garden looking tidier longer. Summer flowering plants can be pruned now to help ensure good flowering next year.
Continue dead-heading flowering plants to keep the garden looking showy into the autumn. Some herbaceous perennials, such as geranium, may respond with a second flush of flowers if cut back now .
Don’t neglect watering: August can be very dry so make sure borders and lawns are kept hydrated and fed. Keep ponds topped up and where possible use recycled water.
Give your hedges a trim and it should be the last of the season. Trimming now allows a chance for the cut surfaces to regrow then harden over slightly to resist the onset of winter frosts.
Paint wooden structures and fences with a good preservative, clean hard surfaces and patios of moss and algae, and check shed and summerhouse roofs for integrity. Carrying out small repairs will prove invaluable for the winter. Good general garden cleanliness and speedy removal of debris will minimise overwintering of pests and diseases.
The height of cut on lawns can be raised slightly to reduce drought stress and will also guard against weakening of the sward, which can lead to a build-up of thatch and moss. If it is very dry then leaving clippings behind can help reduce browning and aid moisture retention. Scarifying or raking now, followed by an application of feed, will give the turn a chance to thicken, helping stave off problems during winter’s dormancy.
Keep turning the compost heap and apply any that is well-rotted to the borders. This will act as a weed suppressant and feed through the autumn and into the winter.
Remember our feathered friends. Top up bird baths and feeders, they will appreciate it as we move into autumn.
Perennial weed growth is best dealt with when the weeds are in full growth. Time spent weeding now will pay dividends next season.
Harvest fruit and/or veg that are ready. Cut out raspberry canes that are finished and tie up any new canes that are weak. Feeding tomato plants with a good proprietary liquid feed and pinching out growing tips will help ensure a good final harvest of your favourite fruit.
On very hot days dampen down your greenhouse and open the air vents. Air movement is critical to a healthy environment. Look out for problem pests and diseases.
Take time to enjoy your garden. August brings with it a maturity in the gardening calendar and is often the finale of all the hard work put in during the season. Consider taking some photographs as a useful aide memoir for changes you might want to make in the spring. During winter’s dormancy it’s easy to forget where things are!