Other Jobs Around The Garden and Patio Area This August

Here’s a list of other key garden and patio jobs for August, covering general maintenance, patio care, wildlife-friendly tasks, and preparations for the coming season: 

🧼 1. Tidy Patios and Paths 

• Weed between paving slabs – use a hoe or flame weeder. 

• Sweep regularly to keep debris from staining or making surfaces slippery. 

• Power-wash if needed to remove algae or moss build-up (especially in shady areas). 

🪴 2. Care for Pots and Containers 

• Water containers daily in hot weather, and more often if windy. 

• Feed weekly with liquid fertiliser – especially those with flowering or fruiting plants. 

• Move stressed pots into shadier spots if they’re drying out too fast.

• Deadhead and tidy regularly to prolong display. 

🍂 3. Start Autumn Prep 

• Begin planning and buying spring bulbs (daffs, crocus, tulips). 

• Clean out cold frames and greenhouses ready for autumn sowing or overwintering. 

• Sort and clean seed trays and tools. 

🐞 4. Encourage Wildlife 

• Keep bird baths and water sources topped up.

• Avoid cutting hedges while birds might still be nesting (wait until September if unsure). 

• Leave a patch of the garden a bit wild to support pollinators and shelter for insects. 

🌾 5. Compost Management 

• Turn the compost heap to speed decomposition. 

• Add a balance of green (veg peelings, grass) and brown (cardboard, woody prunings) materials. 

🌳 6. Inspect Trees and Large Shrubs 

• Check for loose branches or signs of disease.

• Water young trees if it’s dry — slow, deep watering is best. 

• Light pruning of some shrubs (e.g. lavender, wisteria, philadelphus) can be done now. 

🔨 7. Garden Structures 

• Check fences, trellises, arbours, and sheds for signs of wear or damage. 

• Treat with wood preservative or paint in dry weather to extend lifespan. 

🌸 8. Take Cuttings 

• Softwood or semi-ripe cuttings from fuchsias, salvias, penstemons, and lavender root well now. 

• Place in a propagator or in a shaded spot outdoors. 

👣 9. General Clean-Up 

• Remove algae or grime from outdoor furniture. 

• Put away cushions overnight to avoid dew and mildew. 

• Refresh gravel or bark mulch areas that are thinning. 

🐝 10. Enjoy and Observe 

• Take note of what’s thriving and what isn’t — it’ll help you plan changes this autumn. 

• Use the patio space! August evenings are perfect for sitting out and enjoying your garden.