Top tips for gardening in August

August is the month to sit and admire your hard work and contemplate next year’s gardening schemes…

Roses

Rambling Roses should be pruned after they have flowered. These Roses produce next year’s flowers based on this year’s growth. The side shoots that have flowered should be cut back to one or two buds from the main stem. Any strong new growth can be tied in replacing old woody stems.

Perennials

Cut back Perennials that have collapsed after flowering, you may be lucky and have a second flowering in the autumn. Also, this gives the later flowering plants more space to flourish.

Soft fruit and vegetables

Raspberries that have finished fruiting should be pruned now. Cut out the old fruiting canes and tie in the strong new canes that have grown this year. Any weak growth should be cut out at this time.

Onions should be ready to harvest in August. It’s important to let them dry completely before storing. This is best done by leaving them on the surface of the ground during dry weather. If wet, its best to lay them out in a shed or garage.

Cuttings

This is a good time to take cuttings of pelargonium, fuchsias, and other tender perennials. Insert the cuttings around the edge of small pots. Hormone powder can also be used to help promote rooting. Cuttings rooted readily at this time and in about a month will be ready to be potted up and ready to overwinter in the greenhouse.

Dahlias

Warm dry weather can encourage Mildew. This attacks many plants, including Dahlias, so if you are wondering what that white powdery coating is on the leaves and stems, it is probably Mildew. The solution is to spray the plants with a fungicide, such as fungus fighter which is systemic, or from the traditional range, yellow sulphur.

It is important to keep feeding Dahlias during this month with a high Potash fertiliser, such as Tomorite. This will encourage flowering and also help with the formation of Tubers. Dahlias also benefit from regular watering during dry spells.

Contact our friendly team

Browse our range of plants, tools and accessories at our garden centre in St Albans – ideal for gardening in August.

For more information, contact our friendly team on 01727 822255 or email us on info@aylettnurseries.co.uk.