As we enter the height of summer, gardens across the UK are in full bloom. August is a crucial month for garden maintenance to ensure your outdoor space remains healthy and vibrant. From pruning to planting, there are several essential tasks to focus on. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, our guide will help you navigate the most important August garden jobs to keep your garden flourishing.
For expert advice on maintaining a healthy garden, you can always rely on Steve’s Garden Services to help you with hedge trimming, lawn care, and other essential garden tasks.
Key August Garden Jobs
1. Prune Rambling Roses
Once your rambling roses have finished flowering, it’s important to prune them. This not only keeps them in shape but also encourages stronger growth and better blooms next season. Make sure to remove any weak or dead stems to maintain the health of the plant. For more detailed tips on rose pruning, visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s guide.
2. Continue Deadheading Herbaceous Plants
Keep your herbaceous plants looking their best by regularly deadheading. Removing faded blooms will promote new flowers and help the plant conserve energy. Additionally, cut off any tall, weak stems to maintain the plant’s structure. This is an important part of garden tidying services, which help keep your garden healthy and attractive year-round.
3. Plant Out Well-Grown Perennial Seedlings
August is the perfect time to plant out your perennial seedlings. Whether you’ve started them from seed earlier in the year or bought them from a nursery, get them into their final positions so they can establish themselves before winter. For help with planting, check out Steve’s Garden Services’ planting and turfing options.
4. Plant Daffodil Bulbs for Spring
Planning ahead is key for a beautiful spring display. Plant your daffodil bulbs now so they’ll have plenty of time to root before the colder months. They’ll reward you with bright blooms come spring. The RHS offers great advice on planting daffodils for best results.
5. Take Lavender, Sage, and Perennial Wallflower Cuttings
Propagate your favourite herbs and flowers by taking cuttings of lavender, sage, and perennial wallflowers. This is a cost-effective way to multiply your plants and ensures you have a fresh supply of aromatic herbs for next year. For help with propagation and plant care, check out Steve’s Garden Services.
6. Take Shrub and Flower Cuttings
Now is a great time to take cuttings from shrubs like heather, geraniums (pelargonium), fuchsias, and hydrangeas. Root them in a pot and you’ll have healthy young plants ready to plant out in the coming year. If you’re not sure how to get started with this, Steve’s Garden Services can assist with shrub and flower propagation.
7. Bend Over Onion Tops as They Ripen
As your onions begin to ripen, bend over their tops. This technique encourages the bulbs to mature faster and makes them easier to store when harvested. Want to grow more onions next year? Visit The RHS for more tips on onion cultivation.
8. Sow Onion Varieties for Next Year
Looking ahead, August is the ideal time to sow onion varieties that will mature next summer. Plan your crop rotation and get a head start on next year’s harvest.
9. Sow Spring Lettuce, Winter Spinach, and Late Carrots
Ensure you have fresh produce for the cooler months by sowing spring lettuce, winter spinach, and late carrots. These crops will provide a delicious supply of greens as summer turns to autumn. For help with crop planting and garden makeovers, reach out to Steve’s Garden Services.
10. Summer Prune Apple and Pear Trees
If you have espalier or fan-trained apple and pear trees, now is the time to prune them. Summer pruning keeps these restricted forms in shape, encourages fruiting, and prevents overcrowded branches. Learn more about how to prune these trees at The RHS.
Conclusion
August offers UK gardeners the chance to maintain summer growth and prepare for the upcoming autumn and spring. By focusing on these essential August garden jobs, you’ll ensure your garden remains healthy, beautiful, and productive. Whether it’s pruning roses or planting daffodils, taking the time now will pay off in the months to come.
If you’re looking for expert help with any of these tasks, Steve’s Garden Services is here to assist with a wide range of gardening services. Keep your garden in top shape all year round!
Get Your Garden Ready: Book Our August Gardening Services Today!
Looking to get ahead in your garden? Contact Steve’s Garden Services today for professional advice and assistance with all your garden needs.