As summer continues, gardens are full of colour — but they can also be full of tasks! From pruning and propagation to planting for autumn, there’s still lots to do in August. Whether you’re harvesting homegrown veg or deadheading flowers, here’s your friendly reminder of what to tackle this month.
Flower & Shrub Care
Prune rambling roses after flowering. Remove up to a third of the growth and tie in any long stems to maintain shape and structure.
Prune bush and climbing roses as needed. Cut just above a healthy outward-facing bud on a strong leaf shoot to shape the plant and encourage more blooms. Remove any dead, diseased or crossing stems to improve air circulation.
Trim wisteria if you have not done so in July. Cut back this year’s whippy green shoots to five or six leaves. This helps concentrate energy into flower bud formation instead of leafy growth, leading to better blooms next year.
Water camellias and rhododendrons regularly while they’re forming flower buds for next spring. Dry roots now can lead to fewer blooms later on.
Take softwood cuttings from lavender and other woody herbs to create new plants.
Pull up tired hardy annuals if you don’t want them self-seeding all over your borders.
Collect seeds from favourite flowers to store for next year. Most seeds will stay viable for a year or two if stored well. Make sure they’re completely dry before sealing them in paper envelopes. If you’re planning to store seeds long-term, freezing is an option — but only if they’re thoroughly dried first. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to chill them in a fridge or cool shed, stored in paper bags, envelopes or jars to keep them protected.
Deadhead faded blooms to keep beds and containers looking neat and to encourage more flowers.
Fruit & Vegetables
Watch out for tomato blight, especially during warm, wet spells. Outdoor plants are most at risk — look for brown blotches on leaves and sunken marks on the fruit.
Net autumn raspberries to stop birds helping themselves to the harvest.
Prune apple trees, especially trained forms like espaliers and cordons, to boost airflow and sunlight around the fruit.
Lift onions and shallots once the foliage has flopped and yellowed. Leave them on the surface to dry in the sun before storing.
Plant potatoes in tubs now using cold-stored seed potatoes — perfect for a festive harvest at Christmas.
Collect veg seeds like beans, peas and tomatoes to save for next year.
Check on your strawberry runners
If you pegged runners down in July, take a look at how they’re doing — once they’ve developed strong roots, you can cut the runner stem to separate them from the parent plant. Keep them well-watered and leave them in their pots to grow on, or plant them out in a prepared bed for next year’s crop.
Propagation & Planning
Take leaf cuttings from succulents such as echeverias, sedums and crassulas — they’re easy to root and make great gifts.
Cut back wildflower areas now that the plants have scattered their seed. You can mow or strim, but leave the cuttings for a day or two so the last few seeds can drop.
Plant autumn-flowering bulbs for a splash of colour later in the season. Good choices include:
- Cyclamen hederifolium – perfect for shady spots and under trees
- Sternbergia lutea – golden-yellow blooms, great in sunny borders
- Autumn crocus (Crocus speciosus or sativus) – delicate purple or white flowers
- Colchicum ‘Waterlily’ – often known as “Naked Ladies”, flowering before their leaves appear
Pick a sunny, sheltered site with well-drained soil. Add grit if needed and mark where you plant, so you don’t forget about them. Water well after planting and keep the soil moist if it stays dry.
Watering
With hosepipe bans in place across parts of the UK, it’s important to be water-smart in the garden.
Check for local restrictions before using a hose or sprinkler. Many areas now limit their use.
Reuse grey water wherever possible — from washing-up bowls, baths, or showers (just avoid water with harsh cleaners or bleach).
Keep watering focused and efficient: early mornings or evenings are best, and aim for the base of plants to reduce evaporation.
For more helpful advice, check out our recent watering tips videos over on our social media channels.
A few simple changes can make a big difference — and help keep your garden thriving during dry spells.
General Maintenance
Weed regularly, especially between paving slabs and in gravel or lawns. A sharp hoe or hand-fork makes quick work of it.
Keep lawns tidy, but avoid cutting too short if the weather’s hot and dry.
Top up bird baths and water features – these are essential for birds, insects and other wildlife at this time of year.
Edge beds and paths for a neater finish around the garden.
For more tips and all your gardening needs, visit us at Haddenham Garden Centre.