Somehow it’s already the last month of the summer! We’ve seen heatwaves and a few downpours. But what does this month mean for your garden? Read on for some ideas of what to do in your vegetable garden in August
What To Do In The Vegetable Patch
- Apply a high potash fertiliser to peppers, cucumber and aubergine once they’re fruiting.
- Pinch out tomato plants, consequently this will concentrate the growth into the fruit that has already started forming. Continue to feed with tomato fertiliser and remove lower leaves.
- Pinch out the tops of runner beans if they have reached the tops of their supports. As a result you will encourage side shoots to grow.
- Growing squash plants? Limit the growth to around three plants. However make sure the plants are established before pinching out the side shoots.
- Harvest! Time to dig in to those delicous spring sown carrots and beetroot. You can also harvest any second early potatoes now.
- If you want to dry and store onions and garlic, now is your chance! Once the foliage has flopped over and turned yellow, its time to dig them up and store in onion bags.
The Container Garden in August
- Open the doors on hot day if you’re growing in a greenhouse.
- Check your plants daily and water if needed (unless the good old British summer has done it for you!)
- Bring in the more delicate herbs – basil, coriander, parsley, dill and mint. This will ensure they survive the winter, as they won’t be able to manage any upcoming autumnal frosts.
Other Things To Do in The Vegetable Garden in August
- Spread mulch after any clearing and cutting back, consequently you’ll improve the organic structure of the soil ready for the next sowing season.
- Get planning for spring! Think about what you may want to plant in the vegetable patch next year and make sure you’re good and prepared. (Take a look at our website for some inspiration!)
- Turn that compost! This will speed up decomposition, and as a result you’ll have fantastic compost ready for your garden even sooner.
Pest Patrol!
- If your plants seem to be wilting for no reason, check for vine weevils. They will look like ‘C’ shaped maggots and will be hiding amongst the roots.
- Look out for powdery white mildew on plants, you may need to spray with a fungicide.
- Keep an eye out for those pesky slugs!
To conclude, there’s still plenty to be done in the vegetable garden in August. From harvesting and drying, to planning for next spring – and don’t forget that much needed watering! There’s almost certainly something to keep you busy all throughout the final month of summer.
We’d love to see your garden this August, so don’t forget to send us your photos and we’ll share them on social media!
