August is a busy month beyond the flower beds and vegetable patch. Regular maintenance now will keep your garden looking its best and prepare it for the changing seasons.
🪴Keep containers well watered
Hanging baskets, patio pots and window boxes can dry out very quickly in warm weather.
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Feed flowering containers weekly with a liquid fertiliser.
- Remove spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
🌸Deadhead summer flowers
Keep displays colourful by removing faded flowers from:
- Geraniums
- Petunias
- Cosmos
- Dahlias
- Marigolds
- Roses
Regular deadheading encourages more blooms well into autumn.
🌳Trim hedges
Most evergreen hedges can have a final light trim this month.
- Shape neatly without cutting into old wood.
- Check carefully for any active bird nests before trimming.
Avoid heavy pruning, which may encourage soft growth before winter.
🌿Prune lavender
Once flowering has finished:
- Cut back spent flower stems.
- Lightly trim the foliage to maintain a compact shape.
- Avoid cutting into old woody stems, as they rarely regrow.
🧹Tidy patios and paths
Keep outdoor spaces looking inviting by:
- Sweeping away leaves and debris.
- Pulling out weeds from paving joints.
- Brushing away moss and algae, especially in shady areas.
🌼Support late-summer blooms
Tall plants such as dahlias, gladioli and sunflowers may need extra support as flowers become heavier.
Use soft ties and sturdy canes to prevent stems snapping in windy weather.
🐝Help wildlife
Late summer is an important time for pollinators.
- Keep a shallow dish of fresh water topped up.
- Leave some flowers for bees and butterflies.
- Allow seed heads to develop on a few plants for birds later in the year.
💧Make the most of rainwater
If you have a water butt:
- Keep it topped up whenever it rains.
- Use stored rainwater for containers and acid-loving plants.
- Check gutters and downpipes are free from blockages.
🌱Plan autumn planting
August is a good time to think ahead.
- Purchase spring-flowering bulbs.
- Choose new shrubs or trees for autumn planting.
- Prepare beds by removing weeds and adding compost.
🪑Care for garden furniture
Before autumn weather arrives:
- Clean wooden and metal furniture.
- Tighten loose screws and fittings.
- Apply wood oil or protective treatments if needed.
- Wash outdoor cushions and store them indoors during wet weather.
🏡 Bonus tip: Enjoy your garden!
August is one of the most colourful months of the gardening year. Take time to:
- Harvest flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Photograph your favourite displays.
- Make notes on plants that have performed well.
- Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your hard work before autumn arrives.
A little regular maintenance throughout August will keep your garden and patio looking beautiful while setting everything up for a smooth transition into autumn. 🌸🌿
