August gardening jobs: 7 essential tasks to get done this month to help your garden thrive

Although August is technically the last month of summer, there's still so much to get done in the garden and plenty of prep to start on before the new season rolls around.

Whether you want to sort the garden out whilst the sun's still out or are looking to get ahead with next year's planting, August is a surprisingly busy time in the garden. And even though it can seem like you've only just finished your July gardening tasks, there's still planting, pruning and sowing to get done this time of year.

So, with no time like the present, get your essential gardening tools at the ready to start on these jobs to help your garden thrive, ready for autumn.

August gardening jobs to complete this month

Not only are there so many vegetables to plant in August, but there are various tasks to get done around the garden, from your lawn to your flower beds.

These are the seven jobs that gardening experts recommend getting done this month to keep your outdoor space happy, healthy and growing.

1. Continue deadheading for late-summer colour

Whilst there are a few plants you shouldn't deadhead in your garden ever, there are more than enough that need a good chop come August time.

“Deadheading is one of the most effective gardening tasks to tackle in August. Removing faded blooms will encourage plants to continue producing flowers later into the summer season," says gardening expert Paul Parker from J.Parker's.

"When cutting old flowers, make the cut just above a strong leaf joint or side shoot. This signals to the plant where to direct its energy, producing an abundance of fresh buds," he continues.

"Summer favourites such as dahlias, cosmos, petunias and geraniums can all benefit from regular deadheading and will produce noticeably more flowers as a result. Many annuals will also continue flowering well into autumn when spent blooms are removed regularly," Paul explains.

Having plants for autumn colour can help with that yearly sadness of seeing your favourite summer blooms end and wither away.

2. Protect pots from late-summer heat

August weather has been getting increasingly hotter over the years; preparing your garden for a heatwave has never been more important. And your patio container plants are among the most vulnerable when temperatures reach these intense levels.

“Potted plants will dry out much faster than borders during hot spells, so keeping them well watered is key. Water plants in containers during the cooler parts of the day, which helps the moisture reach the roots before it evaporates," says Paul.

"In August, a simple layer of mulch on top of the compost can make a big difference by helping pots stay hydrated and reducing the need for constant watering," he adds.

"If you notice water rushing straight through the container, it is likely that the compost has dried out. If this is the case, submerging the pot in a container of water for a short period will rehydrate the plant," recommends Paul.

Mulching your plants and adjusting their watering routine can be a real saviour during the dry, summer months.

3. Plant ahead for next season

It might seem strange, but if you're wondering when to plant spring bulbs, this month is a great time to start.

"Although it might feel early, August is one of the best times to start thinking about next year's garden," starts Nigel Lawton, plant buyer at Dobbies.

"Spring-flowering bulbs are beginning to arrive in-store, making now a great time to start planning colourful displays for next year. Plant early varieties such as alliums, daffodils and snowdrops in beds and borders," he adds.

"Add autumn-flowering crocus corms to borders or lawns now for a welcome burst of colour throughout September and October," continues Nigel. "Fill late summer gaps with Cyclamen, which provide beautiful flowers when many other plants begin to fade."

He recommends Hebes too, as they offer colourful flowers, evergreen foliage and an important source of nectar for bees and butterflies. Great plants for pollinators.

4. Refresh your beds and borders

Whilst you might already have planned with some late summer flowers, there are still other ways you can keep your space looking lush and colourful.

"As some early summer plants begin to finish flowering, now is the perfect opportunity to refresh your outdoor space," says Nigel. "Prune early summer-flowering shrubs once they've finished blooming to encourage strong new growth for next year's display."

"Continue deadheading roses, dahlias and other repeat-flowering plants to keep colour going well into autumn. Regular feeding with a liquid fertiliser will help flowering plants continue performing through the end of the season," he suggests.

"If you're heading away on holiday, move pots and containers into a shadier position where possible to help reduce watering requirements," adds Nigel.

Keeping your garden healthy whilst you're on holiday needn't be stressful; all you need to do is plan.

5. Continue feeding birds safely

If you're up to date on the latest official summer bird feeding advice, you'll know that when the seasons change, so do the needs of wildlife.

"It’s a divisive topic in the gardening world, but I’m here to cut through the noise to tell you that birds do need supplementary feeding in summer; it just needs to be done responsibly," says James Ewens, garden and wildlife expert at Green Feathers.

"Supplementary feeding is always necessary, especially in August when birds are still active for long daylight hours and still feeding their young. Birds need the best chance ahead of autumn, so responsible feeding is critical," he states.

"Trichomonosis is a risk for birds in summer; hygiene is critical as diseases are rife in August heat. Keep feeders topped up little and often, clean feeders by scrubbing thoroughly once a week, and keep water replenished for birds to hydrate and bathe. Avoid foods that spoil quickly in heat and use hanging feeders rather than flat ones, and provide nutrient-rich and easily digestible foods like sunflower hearts, mealworms and quality seed mixes," warns James.

You can also leave certain weeds to grow that are natural food sources for both birds and other forms of wildlife visiting your garden.

James Ewens

James Ewens is the commercial director of Green Feathers, a bird box camera and garden wildlife specialist, and is a self-proclaimed garden enthusiast.

6. Watering your garden

It's no secret that knowing how to water your garden properly during summer is a top priority. This is even more important as we reach the end of summer.

"Watering is particularly important in August, especially during dry spells like the one we've been having. A quick sprinkle over the surface of the soil often isn’t enough because it encourages shallow roots that dry out quickly, and any newly planted shrubs will need special attention here," explains Dr Russell Sharp, Founder, Eutrema.

"Water deeply at the base of plants so moisture reaches further into the soil. If you have clay soil and it's been baked dry in the drought, consider applying a wetting agent/clay drainer product before watering to ensure the water can get into the soil and access the roots," he continues.

If you're currently under a hosepipe ban, there are ways you can still water your garden without breaking any rules.

Dr Russell Sharp

Dr Russell is an innovator, best known for developing the range of plant care products offered by his company, Eutrema.

7. Keep up with general maintenance

Along with all the big tasks, there's much to be done on a smaller scale too. With August pruning jobs, edible plant harvesting and lawn maintenance, you'll be plenty busy this month.

"It's also a good time to harvest vegetables regularly, prune summer-flowering shrubs once they've finished blooming, and give hedges a final tidy before autumn arrives," says Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillary's.

"Weeding little and often will stop unwanted plants from competing with your flowers and crops for moisture and nutrients. If you have a lawn, raising the cutting height slightly can help it cope better with hot weather and periods of drought," he states.

FAQs

What can I plant at the end of August?

Whilst you might think there's not much to plant in August, with it being towards the end of summer, there are always species that are ready to be added to your plot.

"Plant any hardy perennials that will establish before winter. Plants such as hardy geraniums, salvias and heucheras can still be planted now to give their roots time to grow before it gets colder," says Dr Russell.

"The soil is usually warm in late summer, which helps new plants settle in quickly, but they’ll need regular watering while they establish. It’s also a good time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as crocuses and daffodils once they become available, although most gardeners wait until autumn for the main bulb planting season," he continues.

What can you still grow in August?

Even if you want to start vegetable gardening this month, you're not too late to begin and sow edible plants. There are quite a few to choose from, but of course they'll need to be seasonally appropriate to establish.

"There are still plenty of vegetables that can be grown in August, especially quick-growing crops that can be harvested before winter. Salad leaves such as rocket, lamb’s lettuce and winter lettuce are ideal because they grow quickly and can provide fresh leaves later in the season," says Dr Russell.

"You can also sow spinach, spring onions and radishes, although it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist while seeds are germinating. August is also a good month to plant out autumn and winter crops, such as young kale plants, which will grow on through the colder months and provide harvests later in the year," he adds.

"At this time of year you'll need to choose plants that match the shorter growing period ahead rather than starting crops that need months of warm weather to mature," suggests Dr Russell.

You can try succession planting too, which will allow you to have fresh produce all year round, no matter the weather or when you start.

It's best to start on your August jobs early; that way, when it's time to crack on with September's gardening to-do list, you're not already worn out.