Deadhead regularly to keep roses, dahlias, cosmos and other summer flowers blooming into autumn. Water deeply, not little and often. Early morning or evening watering helps reduce evaporation, especially for pots and hanging baskets.
Trim lavender after flowering, cutting back the flower stems but avoiding old woody growth. Vegetables to sow now for autumn and winter, spring cabbage, spinach, rocket, lettuce and hardy herbs for later harvests. Plant new strawberry runners now to establish strong plants for next year’s crop. Feed tomatoes weekly with a high-potash fertiliser and remove side shoots from cordon varieties. Collect seeds from your favourite flowers to grow next year or share with friends.
Keep on top of weeds before they have a chance to set seed. Leave some flowers standing to provide nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators through late summer. Plan ahead. August is a good time to think about where you could plant spring bulbs and autumn shrubs when the weather cools.
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