August Gardening Jobs
As with July, August can be one of the hottest months of the year making watering plants essential. Many water butts will have already run out due to a dry summer and water restrictions are soon to be enacted. Think about saving ‘grey’ water after washing up or shower with a bucket beneath you – it will catch a large amount of waste water that would normally go down the drain.
Take a look at our August guide to see all of the tasks that can be completed during the month.
General Tasks for August
- Continue to control weeds, pests and diseases – taking into account the strength of the plants themselves and the forecast weather conditions to follow.
- Weak or poor plants should be fed and improved before tackling pests & diseases.
- Apply spot treatments to perennial weeds around a property but take care with selective sprays in a lawn
- Water plants/turf as and when needed
Maintenance for Lawn/Turfed Areas During August
- Check for any disease activity such as Red Thread and treat accordingly
- Keep an eye out for any lawn pests such as chafer grubs and leatherjackets. August is a peak month for daddy long-legs and chafer beetles to lay eggs. Use nematodes at the right time:
- Mow the lawn when it is green, however, during droughts it is wise to raise the cutting height to avoid weakening the grass and also to encourage better rooting
Trees, Shrubs and Hedges
- Trim hedges lightly, but not in full sun or when extremely hot weather is forecast to follow
- Continue to deadhead roses
Beds and Borders
- Deadhead any faded flowers
- If any perennial plants are starting to spread, cut them back where needed
- Collect seeds from perennial plants that have matured, for planting later down the line
- Prepare to trim lavender bushes - when the flowers have faded
Bulbs
- Plant daffodils towards the end of the month ready for them to thrive in spring
- Pot Christmas flowering bulbs
Water Features
- Top up water levels if they have dropped due to the heat
- Trim and thin out any overgrown pond plants
