August - The heat of summer and a bountiful vegetable garden

• Now is the time to do the summer pruning of Wisteria by cutting back the long stems of this year’s growth to about five or six leaves to encourage flower formation

• Pruning of stone fruits such as plum, cherry, peach, etc. as well as performing any formative pruning of apples and pears trained as an espalier, cordon or fan

• Keep plants well watered if we do get another dry spell and continue deadheading whenever you can

• Lift and divide irises ensuring that the rhizome remains on the soil surface when replanted

• In the vegetable garden, finish harvesting garlic and lift onions and shallots and dry well before storage

• Second early potatoes should now be perfect for harvesting

• Regularly pick peas and beans as leaving old pods on the plants will reduce flowering and stop the crop

• Finally, if you are becoming overwhelmed by courgettes, don’t forget the delicious Courgette Cake recipe from last August’s newsletter