August Tips |  |
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Reap the rewards of your labour this month by enjoying your flowers, summer fruits and vegetables and start thinking about what to replace them with this autumn.
As well as keeping an eye on the moisture levels of your plants, change the water in your bird bath frequently as stale water is unhealthy for the birds and can become a breeding ground for those renowned 'barbecue pests' mosquitoes. |
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Borders | |  | • | Prune Wisteria by reducing this year's growth to just five or six buds. | | • | Deadhead Roses regularly. | | • | Spray Roses to control black spot mildew and aphids. | | • | Water Camellias regularly as they are now forming next year's flower buds. | | • | Dead head Sweet Peas to increase the flowering season. | | • | Tie in and train new growth on climbing and rambling Roses. | | • | Water newly planted shrubs and perennials in dry conditions. | | • | Put pots of plants into gaps in the borders. |
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Bedding Plants | | | • | You can still order the plug plants you'd like for autumn and winter colour which will be delivered from the end of the month. | | • | During the hot weather, always water plants in the evening to reduce the amount of evaporation. | | • | Snip dead flower heads regularly to encourage the growth of lots of new flowers. |
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Containers | | | • | It is essential to water containers twice a day during the hot weather, even if there has been some rain. | | • | Prune back any straggling trailing plants. | | • | Replace plants that that are past their best. | | • | Prune to shape any shrubs that have finished flowering. | | • | When going on holiday, move pots to a lightly shaded spot, easily located for neighbours to water, so they don't dry out as quickly. For maximum protection, line a strong cardboard box with a plastic bin bag, fill the bottom with about 2.5cm (1") of water and place the plants inside. |
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Lawns | | | • | Continue to mow grass raising the height of cut in dry weather. |
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Fruit | | | • | Check nets on fruit cages to make sure that they have not moved or been damaged. | | • | Finish training fruit trees by removing side shoots. | | • | Cut out one or two of the older stems in current bushes to allow new growth. | | • | Remove straw from under Strawberries that have finished fruiting. | | • | Finish picking Raspberries and prune summer varieties down to ground level. |
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The Vegetable Garden | | | • | Concentrate on watering plants in flower and fruit. | | • | As vegetables are harvested, clear the ground and prepare it for other crops. | | • | Water and feed runner beans. | | • | Take out the tops of tomato plants and reduce the amount of watering and feeding. | | • | Keep onions well watered to achieve the best size. | | • | Sow salad crops directly into the ground to continue getting fresh plants. | | • | Regular hoeing will keep weeds down and prevent seeds being dropped on to the soil to create problems for the following year. |
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The Greenhouse | | | • | Pinch out side shoots on tomatoes and feed with a tomato food regularly. | | • | Shade plants to prevent scorching. Use netting or shade paint on the outside. | | • | Ensure that all vents are working and close them on cool evenings. |
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Ponds | | | Continue to feed pond fish. | | Remove any blanket weed by twirling it around on a stick. | | Check filters on pumps to ensure that they are not blocked. | | Remove any plant material that has fallen into the pond to prevent the build up of disease. | | Top up as and when necessary. |
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