Summer is in full swing, and the garden shows it in every corner. Many crops are at their peak, the harvest keeps rolling in, and flowers are bursting into bloom. But that doesn’t mean the work is over—far from it. It’s the perfect moment to sow again in the vegetable garden, collect seeds from certain blooms, and why not dry a few flowers? That way, you can enjoy the beauty of your own home‑grown harvest well into the winter months.
Garden Chores for August
We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: keep removing spent flower heads from annuals. By deadheading, you encourage plants to keep producing new buds, extending the display in your garden.
Treat tomatoes and peppers to some organic feed. It’s just the boost they need to produce more fruit and thrive in the garden or greenhouse. Don’t forget your potted plants either—they’ll appreciate an extra dose of nourishment.
Sow biennials now to satisfy your sowing itch and ensure some beautiful plants for the next gardening season.
It might feel far off, but start planning for your spring bloomers. By ordering your flower bulbs now, you’ll secure a wonderful selection for next year’s display.
For flowers like Lathyrus, the season is drawing to a close. Allow a few blooms to go to seed, then collect the pods and store them in a paper envelope, ready to sow in autumn or early spring.
Harvest, Harvest, and Harvest Again
August is harvest month in the garden. Flowers, vegetables, and fruit are ready to pick—sometimes leaving you with baskets full of goodness. When cutting flowers, consider the time of day and temperature. Aim for early morning or late evening when blooms have absorbed plenty of water, helping them last longer in a vase. Have you picked a selection? Let them rest in a bucket of water in a cool spot before arranging. Then choose a lovely vase, style your bouquet, and keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent wilting.
Drying Flowers from the Garden
When we think of harvesting, most of us picture fresh flowers, vegetables, and fruit. But drying flowers is another way to preserve your garden’s beauty. Dried blooms can last for months, perfect for arrangements or simply to enjoy in a vase during winter. While most plants can be dried, some keep their shape and colour particularly well:
- Strawflower (Helichrysum): a drying classic, retaining colour and form.
- Yarrow (Achillea): available in a dazzling range of colours, ideal as a bouquet filler.
- Cornflower (Centaurea): delicate and elegant, adding splashes of colour.
- Bronze fennel (Foeniculum): statuesque and up to two metres tall, a striking indoor eye‑catcher.
- Sea lavender (Limonium): firm, long‑lasting, and vibrant even after drying.
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In this video, Angelo shows you how to take cuttings from strawberries—vigorous growers that can be easily propagated for more plants in your garden.
Sowing for the Autumn Vegetable Garden
Many vegetables are ready to harvest now, but by autumn most will stop growing. The solution? Sow a few more crops now to keep your garden productive, spread out the harvest, and avoid bare patches.
- Leafy greens like spinach, winter purslane, and lettuce are fast growers, perfect for filling gaps.
- You can also sow herbs such as coriander, salad burnet, and parsley.
- And for an easy crop that fits anywhere, you can’t go wrong with radishes.
Taking Cuttings
August is the ideal month to propagate certain garden plants by cuttings. Warm temperatures encourage healthy root growth, helping young plants go into winter strong. Good candidates for August cuttings include:
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Lemon verbena
- Mint
To take cuttings, snip a 10–15 cm piece from young growth and remove the lower leaves to prevent rot. Fill a small pot (such as a P9) with seed and cutting compost, make three holes with a pencil, and gently insert the cuttings. Firm the soil for good contact, water lightly, and keep the compost moist but not wet. Overwinter in a sheltered spot or greenhouse, ensuring the compost never dries out. By spring, you’ll have strong young plants ready to be planted out in the garden.
