As we find ourselves in the heart of summer, it’s easy to forget that autumn is just around the corner. As any seasoned gardener knows, a bit of preparation now can make all the difference when the leaves start to fall. I’ve jotted down some essential tasks that you should be tackling this August to prepare your garden for the coming season.
Pruning
August is an ideal time for pruning many plants as they’ve completed their blooming cycle by now. This includes roses, wisteria, and spring-flowering shrubs. By cutting back spent blooms and overgrowth, you’ll encourage healthier growth next year. Remember to use sharp secateurs for a clean cut and always prune at an angle to prevent water damage.
Harvesting
If you’ve been growing your own vegetables or fruits, August will likely be a busy month of harvesting! Tomatoes, courgettes, beans and early potatoes should all be ready for picking. Don’t forget about those delicious summer fruits like strawberries and raspberries too!
Planting Autumn Blooms
Start planning your autumn garden by planting flowers that will bloom in cooler temperatures. Cyclamen, chrysanthemums or Michaelmas daisies are excellent choices that will keep your garden looking colourful even as summer fades away.
Lawn Maintenance
Your lawn has probably seen quite a bit of action over these sunny months – from family barbecues to children’s playtime. Now is the time to give it some TLC with a good feed and weed treatment. Consider aerating compacted areas with a garden fork too; this will improve water absorption and promote healthier grass growth.
Pest Control
Unfortunately, pests don’t take holidays! Keep an eye out for aphids on roses or black spot fungus on leaves – both common problems this time of year. Use eco-friendly pest control methods where possible; ladybirds are great natural predators of aphids!
Composting
Make good use of your green waste by starting a compost heap if you haven’t already done so! Not only does composting reduce waste going to landfill but it also provides nutrient-rich soil conditioner for your plants come springtime.
Watering Wisely
Whilst we may experience more rainfall in August than earlier summer months, there can still be dry spells so continue watering plants regularly but do so wisely – early morning or late evening is best to minimise evaporation.
Preparing For Early Spring Bulbs
Yes, spring seems ages away but if you want dazzling daffodils or tantalising tulips come March then now is the time to order those bulbs ready for planting in September.
Prepare Garden Furniture For Winter Storage
Finally, although we hope there are plenty more opportunities for alfresco dining this year yet – start thinking about how you’ll store your garden furniture over winter months to protect it from harsh weather conditions.
As you can see there’s plenty on our plate this August! But remember – gardening isn’t just about hard work; it’s also about enjoying nature’s beauty and reaping what we sow (quite literally!). So take breaks often – sit back with a cuppa (or something stronger!) and savour these last weeks of British summertime!
If all this sounds like too much work – don’t worry! Here at Formby Gardener we’re always ready to lend a hand whether it’s mowing lawns or managing pests – simply give us a call!
