The top priority for your August garden is usually to just sit back, relax and enjoy your garden and who are we to say anything otherwise? Go on, get out there and enjoy it before the weather changes for good!

Traditionally, this is the holiday month so if you are managing to be away this year remember to arrange for a neighbour/friends/family to pop round to keep an eye on plants for you. You’ll need to ask them to pick the fruit and veg that has ripened on any edible plants or it will spoil what is left still growing.

Containers and hanging baskets will need watering so consider drip feed irrigation systems if family and friends can't step in for you while you're away.

Indoor plants do need to be watered this time of year so if you can’t leave your key with anyone sink the pots in the soil in a shady area where they won’t dry out so quickly.

August can also bring with it lots of thunderstorms and heavy downpours which is great for cleaning the leaves of trees, shrubs and hostas and bringing the lawn back to it’s lush green colour. Make sure that your water butts are at the ready and delicate plants are supported to prevent possible damage.

August Garden Jobs

There have been some major growth spurts going on in our gardens this year and one of the biggest problems for gardeners is to make sure things don't get too much out of hand. As ever deadheading is the order of the day for August along with watering. Don't forget to try to water late afternoon or evening if possible, avoiding the heat of the day (although roses do prefer a morning drink!). Some summer pruning is also on the cards to help keep things under control along with the usual August jobs:

• Check plants at least twice a week to check for infestation of bugs like aphids and red spider mite
• Weed borders so plants aren’t competing for nutrients in the soil or water
• Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage more flowers and to extend their flowering season
• Consider saving bath and dish water for the garden (non-edibles)
• Concentrate on watering newly planted trees, shrubs, window boxes and containers
• Feed plants that require it
• Remove the growing tip from greenhouse tomatoes to encourage fruit growth
• Start thinking about planting bulbs for Christmas displays (yes, I really did mention the C-word!!)
• Protect dahlias from earwigs
• Check if repairs to the greenhouse or shed are needed before autumn sets in
• Water and feed house plants remembering to clean the foliage
• Cut sweet peas as soon as they flower to encourage more and to prevent seed pods forming
• Trim hedges at the end of the month it should hopefully be the last time they'll need it this year
• Harvest fruit and veg as necessary
• Make sure bird baths have fresh clean water every day
• Water levels in ponds may have evaporated so top up to ensure the fish don’t die
• Remember if you do have to garden while the sun is out protect yourself adequately with sun screen, a hat and drink plenty of water!