AUGUST - FLOWERS, SHRUBS, & LAWNS - GARDENERS, GET READY!
TIME TO HARVEST...
Winter roses (hellebores), split the end of the stems by around 20mm, put in very hot water for approx. 20 seconds to extend vase life. Pick daffodils for instant ‘spring’s coming’ joy.
Polyanthus/primroses can be planted in small pots and brought inside for short periods as table decorations, as can the mini cyclamen.
TIME TO PLANT...
All frost-hardy shrubs, roses, hellebores, and colour for spring (pansies, primulas, primroses, poppies, violas etc.) Dahlias come into stock this month – don’t miss out.
TIME TO SOW...
Seeds for spring/summer flowering annuals (lobelia, petunias, alyssum, marigolds etc) into seed trays which must be kept in warm frost-free spots.
TIME TO FEED...
The winter colour which will keep on flowering for another two months at least, plus the lawn as it comes out of winter dormancy.
Time to feed houseplants – longer daylight means growth mode so maximise that growth with feeding – both Baby Bio and Thrive Houseplant food are recommended. Watering - use tepid water, water thoroughly, but let them dry out a bit in between waterings.
TIME TO PROTECT...
Newly planted seedlings from frosts with cloches, and from slugs & snails with slug bait.
TIME TO CONTROL...
residual pests & diseases on roses after pruning with Easyflow Copper and Enspray 99. Apply the same sprays to deciduous fruit trees for a cleanup before spring growth emerges.
Spray lawns with Lawnpro Turfclean Ultra which controls the whole range of lawn weeds; spray now while weeds are still small.
De-thatch if there’s a layer of brown ‘sponginess’ under the top green layer. Feed lawns late August.