August Gardening Jobs

Gardening in August can feel like standing at the apex of a rollercoaster: thrilling, a little daunting, but full of potential. As the summer sun beats down, your garden is likely thriving, but there’s more to do than just admire it. Let’s dive into how you can make the most of this vibrant month!

Monthly Gardening Checklist

A good place to start would be maintaining weed control through regular upkeep. Furthermore, you can water your lawn and plants adequately to support their health. Also, providing nourishment to struggling plants and turf with liquid feeds to promote their recovery and vitality. For more specific actions to take, continue reading!

Taking Care Of Your Lawn

• Mow the lawn regularly, however, if there are drought conditions it is sensible to raise the height of the mower to avoid the chance of weakening the grass.
• If weeds are still appearing and actively growing, control them with a selective weed killer.
• Do not fret if your lawn appears brown, as the autumn rains will soon restore its green colour.
• During late summer, when lawn growth naturally slows down, adjust the cutting height of your mower to support the grass.
• Trim any overgrown lawn edges and consider installing lawn edging for easier maintenance in the future.
• If your lawn is infested with ants, remove the nests on a dry day and always clear them before mowing.

Looking After Trees, Shrubs and Hedges

• Deadhead rose bushes enable them to flourish.
• Trim hedges one last time now, as they will only have minimal growth before the arrival of cold weather.
• Hire skilled arborists to take out big shrubs and trees that were affected by excess water in winter and lack of water in summer.
• Eliminate stumps whenever feasible to prevent the spread of rot to other plants. 

Maintaining Water Features

• Keep water levels topped up if they have dropped as a result of the heat.
• Trim and thin out any overgrown pond plants.
• Water your garden during the early morning or late evening for deep soil penetration.
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent evaporation and fungal diseases.
• Check soil moisture regularly; water when dry a few inches deep.
• Regularly monitoring soil moisture will help keep plants hydrated.

Tending to Your Flowers

• Deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages new growth and extends blooming, keeping your garden vibrant.
• Pruning overgrown or leggy plants promotes a bushier shape and enhances blooming.
• Deadheading is crucial for maintaining a continuously blooming garden, like a never-ending summer party.
• Pruning overgrown plants helps create a more compact and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Both deadheading and pruning contribute to the overall health and beauty of your garden's blooms.
• Make sure to regularly water the plants in your patio containers and use a liquid fertiliser every two weeks. 

A Few General Hints

Preparing for Fall

Don’t let the warm weather trick you into thinking summer will last forever. August is the perfect time to start sowing seeds for your fall garden. Think about planting cool-season crops like kale, spinach, and radishes. These plants thrive in the cooler temperatures of autumn and can be harvested well into the season. It’s like planning a second act for your garden.

Pest Patrol

With the abundance of growth comes an increase in pests. Be vigilant! Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble, like wilting leaves or chewed edges. Natural remedies, such as insecticidal soap or oil, work wonders without harming your garden’s ecosystem. Think of yourself as the guardian of your garden, ensuring it thrives without unwanted guests.

Embracing the Harvest

August is the month when your hard work starts to pay off, and the garden bursts with ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs. It’s like walking into a treasure chest of flavours! Make sure to pick your fruits and veggies regularly. The more you harvest, the more your plants will produce. Think of it like encouraging a performer to keep dancing; your garden will respond to your attentiveness.

Planning for Next Year

August is also a great time for reflection. What worked well in your garden this year? What didn’t? Jotting down your observations can help you plan for next year. It’s like keeping a diary of your gardening journey. This way, you’ll have a roadmap for success when the planting season rolls around again.

A Month of Action

Gardening in August is all about balance—celebrate your harvests while prepping for future growth. With a little attention, your garden can continue to be a source of joy and abundance. So grab your gardening gloves, get out there, and relish the magic of the month!

Do you need help maintaining your garden? Feel free to browse through our high-quality lawn products today!