August is traditionally the time that we should be able to step back a little from the garden to enjoy what our labours have created. Whilst there is still much we need to do during August it is possible to relax the rules a little with many people going away for a break. Whilst the garden can tick over on it’s own to a certain extent we need to think about what is sadly looming, which is Autmn and so savour everything that the garden has to offer us. Sadly the constant wet weather we have experienced during July and our only appearance of summer being April the garden has paid a heavy price with many plants suffering from execssive moisture and disease.

Preparing for Autumn

It is now time to start thinking about purchasing your spring bulbs. Most garden centres and stockists should have bulbs readily available and this is the best time to buy whilst they are fresh from the supplier. Sadly most retail outlets do not have the best facilities to store bulbs and buying fresh is always best along with he fact that there is usally more choice early on whilst suppliers stock levels are high.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/08/26 | Permalink to this article

General Gardening

Whilst it’s nice to enjoy the garden at the moment don’t forget to keep on top of weeds, removing them before they set seed. As the saying goes, ‘One years seeds is seven years weeds’. Weeds will also be taking away vital moisture and nutrients from the soil that is needed by your plants.

In hot dry weather avoid digging the soil as this will speed up water evaporation from the soil increasing the need to water.

Keep on top of dead heading plants after they have flowered unless you are wishing to collect their seed for sowing. Once bulbs such as Lilies and Gladioli have finished flowering, remove the faded flowers and seed pods and treat to a regular liquid feed to help them produce better flowers for next year.

Generally tidy up around the garden removing damaged and untidy growth and stake plants that may be prone to damage from heavy rain or wind.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/08/10 | Permalink to this article

Keep Feeding and Dead Heading Bedding

Planters and baskets will contain a lot of plant growth and not a lot of nutrients to sustain them. Regularly feed plants to maintain healthy growth and continual flowering. If your pots or planters have dried out, ensure that you water the plants well and that they have recovered before applying a feed.

To ensure plants do not waste energy on producing seeds and not flowers, keep on top of dead heading, removing faded flowers as they develop. Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves to keep planters healthy and looking tidy as well as removing any unwanted growth.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/08/10 | Permalink to this article

Lawncare in August

Keep the lawn tidy but avoid cutting in full sun as this is not beneficial to the grass or yourself. In prolonged periods of hot dry weather cut grass less frequently to help it hold on to moisture and don’t cut it too short as this will do grass no good in scorching weather.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/08/10 | Permalink to this article

Cutting Time

As you go around the garden tidying and removing unwanted growth remeber, now is a good time to be taking cuttings and you can use these prunings to provide free plants for the garden for next year. You can also start to collect seeds from plants you wish to increase as the seed pods ripen.

Continue to cut faded flowers from annuals to ensure a continuous supply of new flowers. Don’t be afraid to cut good flowers for bringing indoors as this will encourage annuals to produce more.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/08/10 | Permalink to this article

In the Greenhouse

Crops grown in the greenhouse such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers should be performing well now, but you need to keep them regularly watered to ensure good crop development and reduce the stress on plants. Keep an eye open for pests as they can bread quite rapidly in the hot moist conditions and treat appropriately.

Remove any diseased or damaged leaves from plants and ensure that there is good air circulation around plants. To help reduce the temperature and improve humidity, water the floor of the greenhouse every morning and afternoon if possible.

Written by Day Lily on 2007/08/10 | Permalink to this article