August - High Summer

• Watering of plants continues to be critical with plants in tubs and baskets requiring water very regularly, but for any plants in the ground, a good soaking every few days or even once a week will encourage roots to go deeper to find water, reduce the amount of water used, and ultimately reduce the time spent watering

• Prolong the flowering season by regular deadheading 

• Summer prune Wisteria by cutting back the long stems of this year’s growth to about five or six leaves to prevent continued leaf formation and encourage flowering buds to form in the leaf axils

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

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

• Pick peas and beans regularly as old pods will reduce flowering and stop the crop

• Continue to feed tomatoes and cucumbers with a high potash (K) feed to encourage higher trusses to swell and ripen

• Trim hedges on a dry, but not too sunny day.  New growth in the autumn will be minimal so the hedge will keep its shape well for the rest of the year.  

• Trim Lavender after flowering by removing most, or all of this year’s growth but do not cut back hard into older wood as this may not regrow

• Take photographs and make notes of what looks good in the garden and perhaps more importantly, where there are gaps, colours or heights that don’t work well, or if perennials need splitting

• Lift and divide bearded irises now ensuring that the fleshy rhizome remains on the soil surface when replanted so that it can bake in the sun – essential for good flowers next year.

• Autumn is on the way, so make sure you take the time in August to relax and enjoy your summer garden.