What to Do in the Garden in August

August is harvest month, with vegetables, fruits and flowers in full production. While enjoying the summer abundance, it's time to start planning and planting for autumn and beyond.

Key Takeaways for August

Enjoy the harvest - pick crops regularly
Take cuttings from favourite plants
Order spring bulbs for autumn planting
Water and feed containers religiously
Start planning autumn planting
Prune summer-fruiting raspberries after harvest

Flowers

Late summer borders are vibrant with dahlias, rudbeckias and grasses. Start thinking about autumn.

August Flower Tasks

Deadhead dahlias, roses and annuals for more flowers
Take semi-ripe cuttings from shrubs and climbers
Collect seeds from favourite plants
Plant autumn-flowering bulbs like colchicums
Order spring bulbs for September planting
Cut back lavender after flowering
Divide bearded irises if not done in June
Propagate pelargoniums for overwintering
Water containers daily in dry weather
Feed containers and hanging baskets weekly

Fruit and Vegetables

Peak harvest continues. Start clearing spent crops and sowing for autumn and winter.

August Fruit and Veg Tasks

Harvest tomatoes, beans, courgettes and sweetcorn
Pick apples and pears as they ripen
Prune summer-fruiting raspberries after harvest
Sow spring cabbage, winter lettuce and spinach
Plant out leeks and winter brassicas
Clear finished crops and add to compost
Water crops deeply in dry spells
Stop outdoor tomatoes setting new trusses
Support heavily laden fruit tree branches
Net autumn raspberries and blackberries

Greenhouse

Continue harvesting regularly and start tidying as some crops finish.

August Greenhouse Tasks

Harvest tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers daily
Remove lower tomato leaves as fruits ripen
Pinch out tomato growing tips
Sow winter salads and herbs
Take cuttings from tender perennials to overwinter
Clear finished crops
Continue shading and ventilating
Watch for pests and diseases
Order bulbs for greenhouse forcing
Clean empty areas ready for autumn

House Plants

Continue regular care of houseplants outdoors and indoors.

August House Plant Tasks

Water and feed regularly
Check for pests in warm conditions
Take cuttings to expand collection
Bring tender plants inside if nights cool
Repot any pot-bound plants
Plan where to position plants for winter

Garden Maintenance

Start preparing for autumn while maintaining summer standards.

August Maintenance Tasks

Continue regular mowing, raising cut in dry weather
Prepare areas for autumn lawn seeding
Clean out bird boxes after fledging
Top up ponds in dry weather
Trim hedges for final time before birds nest
Weed paths and paving
Order compost and mulch for autumn
Check stakes and ties on trees and climbers