August Gardening Guide

In August the days are slowly drawing in, with cooler nights. The late summer garden is in full bloom and the vegetable garden is at the height of production.

In order to keep flowers blooming, dead-head them regularly or collect seeds for sowing. Seeds can be kept in paper envelopes until next year. Some may need a period of time in the fridge in order to germinate.

Seeds that can be sown in August include fast growing greens, such as radish, rocket, oriental greens, spinach and spring cabbages.

It is a busy season in the greenhouse, time to harvest tomatoes, chillies, peppers, cucumbers and aubergines. Keep pruning dead leaves and keep the plants well ventilated. Continue harvesting courgettes and squash outside to keep the produce coming.

Don’t forget to keep bird baths topped up in the hot weather. Ponds can be replenished too- preferably with rain water or tap water which has been left to sit at least a day, allowing the chlorine to evaporate off.

Water pots and newly planted plants regularly. Put a thick layer of mulch around them to reduce evaporation and make the most of the water.

If you have lavender, wisteria or rambling roses, trim them back now to encourage next year’s flowers.

It is time to harvest and store main crop potatoes if you haven’t already done so, as well as onions. Try to do this during a dry period so they store better.