August
Well the rain hasn't let up over the past few weeks and the gardens are still looking green and lush compared to this time last year. Sadly this means the weeds are still growing like mad, especially the bindweed!
They say drier weather is on the horizon but I'll believe it when I see it! But for now I am thankful that I'm not working in the blazing heat and very content with these low 20C temperatures.
The dahlias are now all in flower and looking wonderful. The wooden lattice supports we made earlier in the year have been such a help and have stopped most of them falling over in the recents deluges.
As well as harvesting there is lots ot be doing so here are some ideas of what you could be doing in the garden this month.
What to do in the garden this month:
Sow/Plant:
Sow beetroot, salad, radish direct and potatoes for a Christmas crop!
Plant out leeks and brassicas.
Take pelargonium, lavender and rosemary cuttings.
Harvest/pick:
Dahlias, sweet peas, roses, ammi, orlaya, cosmos, cornflowers, sunflowers, salad, spinach, chard, radish, carrots, artichokes, potatoes, beans, raspberries, blackberries, currants, courgettes, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers.
Secature/lopper jobs:
Deadhead roses, annuals and perennials to prolong flowering.
Prune wisteria, rambling roses, fruited canes of summer raspberries, lavender.
Cut back hardy geraniums and water well for a second flush.
Stake/support:
Keep staking and tying in dahlias, raspberries and anything else flopping over.
Feed roses, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers.
Lawns and ponds:
Keep mowing when required but allow it to grow a little longer if it gets hot again!
Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years. – Unknown
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