There is lots of pruning and harvesting to be done in August. Dead head faded blooms, but leave some to turn into seedheads for the birds and ones that you plan to sow for next year. Crysanths will benefit from being pinched or sheared back, encouraging more growth and flowers. Take pelargonium cuttings. Trim lavender plants by removing flower stalks and about 2.5cm of the current year’s growth.
Hoe to keep on top of any weeds. Pull alstroemerias rather than cut them as this encourages more growth from below ground to hopefully give you a second flush of flowers right through the autumn. Prune the wispy growth on wisterias, back to 5-7 leaves. Prune climbing and rambling roses after they have flowered, unless they are repeat flowering. Prune summer flowering shrubs after they have flowered.
Cut down wildflower meadows. Ensure Camellias and Rhododendrons are well-watered to encourage good flower bud formation next spring. Water plants thoroughly when needed instead of every day. Feed containers and tired perennial borders with a liquid tomato food each week to encourage them into early autumn.
Lift and store onions, shallots and garlic when the tops have gone brown and bent over. Continue to pick fast maturing vegetables such as beans, peas and courgettes to encourage further cropping. Pinch out the tips of climbing beans when they reach the top of their supports. Make sure you leave a shallow container with water for wildlife.
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