10 Must-Do Garden Chores in August

As the summer heat continues in August, your garden needs special attention to stay healthy and productive. This is a critical month for maintaining and preparing your garden for the changing seasons.

Here are ten essential garden chores to tackle in August to ensure your garden thrives.

1. Water Wisely

August can be one of the hottest months, making proper watering crucial. Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation and allow plants to absorb moisture more effectively. Focus on deep, infrequent watering rather than shallow, frequent watering to encourage deep root growth.

2. Deadhead and Prune

Keep your garden looking its best by deadheading spent flowers. This encourages more blooms and prevents plants from wasting energy on seed production. Prune summer-flowering shrubs and hedges to maintain their shape and promote healthy growth.

3. Harvest Regularly

Many fruits and vegetables are ready for harvest in August. Regularly picking produce like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and peppers ensures they continue to produce. Harvesting also prevents overripe fruits from attracting pests.

4. Fertilize

Give your plants a mid-season boost with a balanced fertilizer. Focus on feeding fruiting and flowering plants to support their continued production. Use compost or organic fertilizers to enrich the soil without harmful chemicals.

5. Mulch

Refresh mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves, works best.

6. Weed Control

Weeds compete with your plants for nutrients and water. Keep them under control by regularly weeding your garden beds. Mulching can also help reduce weed growth.

7. Plant Fall Crops

August is the perfect time to plant fall crops such as lettuce, spinach, radishes, and carrots. These cool-season vegetables will thrive as the temperatures start to drop. Plan your fall garden and sow seeds accordingly.

8. Pest and Disease Management

Monitor your garden for signs of pests and diseases. Aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew are common issues in August. Use organic pest control methods, like neem oil or insecticidal soap, to manage infestations and remove diseased plant parts promptly.

9. Plan for Perennials

Late summer is a great time to plan and plant perennials for next year. Look for end-of-season sales at local nurseries. Planting perennials in August gives them time to establish roots before the colder months arrive.

10. Prepare for Fall

Start preparing your garden for the upcoming fall season. Clean and organize your garden tools, and begin thinking about which plants you’ll want to overwinter or bring indoors. It’s also a good time to plan and order spring bulbs for planting in the fall.

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By following these ten must-do garden chores in August, you’ll keep your garden healthy, productive, and ready for the changing seasons. Happy gardening!