With the summer holidays in full swing and warm weather (hopefully) making a comeback, August could be a month well spent in the garden.
For a beautiful outdoor space in August and beyond, a plant expert shared the crucial tasks to crack on with.
Speaking exclusively to GB News, Plantum’s Anastasia Borisevich advised budding gardeners to “water early and water deep”.
“Beat the heat by watering in the morning, giving roots time to absorb moisture before the sun takes over. Don’t forget about container plants — they dry out quickly!” she warned.
Green-thumbed Britons should also strategically snip their plants this August for months of garden glory.
“Deadhead faded blooms from roses and other summer flowers. A quick trim now means more colour later,” Anastasia explained.
Have basil, mint, or oregano in your garden? “You can harvest them now and give them a light trim to keep them lush, full, and delicious,” the expert added.
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‘A quick trim now means more colour later’
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Harvest your mint and give it a trim to keep it ‘lush, full, and delicious’
Gardening enthusiasts should also be kind to pollinators this month. The expert explained that bees and butterflies are still “hard at work”.
To keep your garden “buzzing with life”, plant nectar-rich flowers like lavender, cosmos, or sunflowers.
Thinking ahead, Anastasia advised Britons to plan for autumn harvests, explaining that now’s the “perfect time” to sow leafy greens, radishes, and carrots so you can enjoy a “bountiful fall harvest”.
For gardening success, the expert offered two important tips for plant care in August.
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To keep your garden ‘buzzing with life’, plant nectar-rich flowers like lavender, cosmos, or sunflowers
Anastasia advised: “Tame the wind. Strong winds can cause dehydration and heat stress in plants.
“Consider using windbreaks, such as fences or hedges, to shield your garden from excessive wind exposure.”
Gardening enthusiasts should also be wise about their fertiliser choice.
“As autumn approaches, you should prioritise phosphorus-potassium fertilisers to help plants gradually prepare for dormancy.
“Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers, as they stimulate the growth of green mass and new shoots that may not have enough time to harden before cold weather sets in.”
July gardening tasks all ticked off? Check here.