August 2023

JOBS FOR AUGUST IN THE GARDEN

Trees and Shrubs

Rhododendrons start producing their flower buds for next Spring now, so keep the plants well watered to secure the developing buds otherwise bud development will be aborted. This may well be even more important this year if the dry weather continues throughout August into early September as seems likely. Thin out the old growth in Rambling Roses to one in three. Tie in any new shoots and reduce the side shoots on the remaining old stems by two thirds.

Flowers

If you wish to save your own seed from selected items now is a good time to start collecting them from herbaceous perennials and annuals. Make certain the seed is ripe and completely dry, then store in paper bags with a label until next Spring. Keep seeds in a cool place in an airtight tin. Penstemons have in the main flowered very well this year and any of your favourite varieties can be propagated now by taking cuttings. Take unflowered shoots and insert in multipurpose compost around the edge of a small pot, water in and enclose in a clear polythene bag and keep in full shade. They will root quite quickly done this way at this time of year. Continue to apply Vine Weevil control to susceptible plants especially any growing in pots. Rosemary beetle is very prevalent this year so keep a careful watch out for this pest on Rosemary, Lavender and Sage before they do too much damage.

Vegetables 

Harvest and store your onions and shallots as the foliage dies down, lift as soon as this happens, cut off the old foliage and keep in a place in full sun to thoroughly dry out before storing away. Tomatoes growing outside should have their tops removed after the fourth truss, remove the growing point two leaves beyond the final truss. Complete the summer pruning of Apples and Pears before the end of this month.