With Summer here, there is still some work to do to help get the garden prepared for the next season. We look at all of the key August tasks that you need to do to make sure your garden thrives through the end of summer and into the start of autumn.
Download our Autumn Garden Guide, print it and pin it to your fridge so you don’t forget what needs to be done in the garden this month.
http://gardenlife.shedstore.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/autumn-guide-august.pdf
Week 1
It may seem obvious, but water your vegetable and fruit plants daily to avoid any problems the hot weather may cause.
Be on the lookout for any ripened seeds and make sure to store some for next year. Keep some flowers for aesthetic purposes and self-seeding of the surrounding soil.
Now is a great time to prune any climbing roses or summer flowering shrubs. Make sure you do this after they’ve finished blooming to make the most of their beautiful flowers.
Week 2
Look around the flower garden and dead-head any flowering plants regularly to guarantee a better display next year.
Keep little critters such as squirrels and birds off your berries by installing some netting or a fruit cage around your crop.
Disease is rife in the summer months. Spend time removing any affected foliage around your vegetables to deter pests and the spread of disease.
Week 3
August is one of the hottest months in the calendar. Give your greenhouse a helping hand by adding blinds or applying shade paint to prevent any over-heating. If yours has a vent, keep it open on warmer days.
Many vegetables will now be ready to harvest. Keep an eye on any carrots, beans and potatoes in the garden to get the most out of your crop.
If you’re growing strawberries this year, lay some straw between plants to discourage mould for a good crop.
Week 4
Although your lawn may look brown and dry, avoid feeding it with high-nitrogen fertiliser at the moment as the new lush grass will easily be damaged by autumn weather.
Start cutting herbs back for a better chance of a tasty harvest next year. You can dry or freeze them to add to any home-cooking.
Make sure your hedges are given a trim before they stop growing to keep your garden looking neat and tidy.
