August

Continue feeding plants in containers and hanging baskets; water daily.

Prune back wisteria and other vigorous climbers.

Harvest vegetables frequently and keep plants well watered.

Hill potatoes with soil or mulch.

Cut back raspberry canes that fruited this year.

Plant peonies.

Divide perennials that flowered from spring to early summer.

Fertilize late-flowering plants.

Remove fallen fruit to keep disease and pests away.

Continue mowing regularly. If the weather is very dry, mow less often and leave off the grass box.

If your mower has a "mulching" attachment the best time to use it is when the grass is fairly short and dry.

This is the last chance to prepare ground for sowing seed or turfing next month.

Water the grass if it needs it.

For isolated deep-rooted weeds, spot treat with weed killer

If you haven't fertilised for six weeks consider another application.

Plant the following no later than the dates indicated below:

August 15 - beans and potatoes (seed can be sprouted two to three weeks before planting).

August 31 - Cucumbers.

Start plants for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions in a half-shaded area for setting out in September.

Prepare soil for September to October plantings of "cool-season" crops.

Water the garden as needed to prevent drought stress.

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