August Gardening Tips: Helping Gardens Weather the Heat
August is often one of the warmest and driest months of the year, and with May, June and July already delivering their fair share of extreme heat and dry spells this year, keeping plants healthy through the heat is more of a priority than ever. It’s also a great time to enjoy the garden, pottering about doing a few simple jobs to keep displays looking their best right through to autumn.
Q&S’s Garden Notes – August
5 things to focus on this month:
- Water plants deeply, not often: Water deeply and less frequently to encourage stronger root growth. Plants in pots and containers dry out much faster than those in the ground, so keep a close eye on them. Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation and help plants make the most of every drop.
- Keep deadheading: Continue removing spent blooms to prolong flowering through late summer.
- Stay on top of weeding: Warm soil makes weeds easy to pull, so a little regular weeding goes a long way.
- Harvest herbs often: Basil, mint, rosemary and other herbs benefit from regular picking, which encourages bushier growth and keeps the kitchen well stocked.
- Support pollinators: Leave a shallow dish of water with some pebbles in it, remember bees can’t swim, so they’ll thank you for a safe landing spot!
If you want to prolong the health and colour of your plants right through to autumn, make time for these few simple jobs during August.
Maintaining gardens, parks and rooftops in the city and beyond gives us plenty of inspiration every day, so the Q&S gardening team will be back next month with more practical tips and insights you can replicate in your very own green space.
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