Harvest your crops.
August is the month to reap the rewards of your gardening efforts. With the sun’s warmth at its peak, your vegetables and fruits are likely ripening quickly. It’s essential to harvest them regularly to prevent them from becoming overripe and…
Giving your lavender a haircut
Giving your lavender a ‘haircut’ in August is a key step in maintaining a healthy, productive, and beautiful plant for years to come. A light prune is crucial for encouraging a second, smaller flush of blooms and for setting the…
Tidy plants and mulch
As August progresses, your garden might begin to look a little tired. One of the best ways to keep it looking fresh and healthy is to tidy up and apply a fresh layer of mulch. This simple two-step process can…
Water wisely
Water is a precious resource. August is a crucial month for gardeners to use it wisely. The current high temperatures and dry spells mean that some plants are at risk of drying out quickly, especially those in containers, hanging baskets,…
Deadheading flowers
Deadheading is a simple yet effective gardening task that involves removing spent or fading flowers from a plant. The process is a cornerstone of maintaining a vibrant, healthy, and long-flowering display, especially in a low-maintenance garden. By snipping or pinching…
What to do in August
Low-maintenance and easy-care gardening during August is all about keeping things tidy, enjoying the results, and doing a few simple tasks to set your garden up for a great finish to the season and a good start next year. Get…
Step 6 – The seasonal walk-through
An easy-care garden, once established, doesn’t require constant attention, but a little seasonal maintenance goes a long way in keeping it looking its best. Here’s your simple guide to turning garden upkeep into a light, enjoyable routine. Spring check-up (March…
Step 5 – Controlling weeds and pests
Managing weeds and pests can be challenging, but effective, proactive strategies can reduce their impact. This section focuses on creating a balanced garden ecosystem that reduces the need for ongoing intervention. Preventing weeds is much easier than removing them. Mulching…
Step 4 – Water-wise watering
Of all the tasks in a traditional garden, none consumes more time and resources than watering. This chapter, Water-Wise Watering, is dedicated to transforming this chore into a quick, efficient process. The core principle of water-wise gardening is simple: work…