What to Do in the Garden in August | UK Gardening Jobs
Discover what to do in your garden in August, including watering, pruning, lawn care, fruit and vegetables, late-summer maintenance, weather advice and plants to enjoy.
What to do in my garden in August
August is a month of abundance in the UK garden. Borders are mature, summer-flowering perennials are still performing strongly, fruit and vegetables are being harvested regularly and outdoor spaces are often at their most heavily used.
It is also a month when the garden can begin to look tired if maintenance slips.
Long dry spells, high temperatures, exhausted container compost and plants finishing their main flowering period can all reduce the garden’s impact. Regular deadheading, watering, pruning, feeding and tidying can make a major difference and keep the garden looking strong well into early autumn.
August is also a useful month for planning ahead. While the garden is still in full growth, it is easy to see which plants are too large, which areas lack structure and where additional late-season colour would improve the planting.
The main priorities are to keep plants healthy, harvest crops regularly, maintain lawns according to conditions and begin preparing for the seasonal change ahead.
Top 10 tips
1. Keep watering new planting
Newly planted trees, hedging, shrubs and perennials may still need regular watering during dry weather.
Do not assume a short shower has penetrated deeply enough into the root zone.
2. Deadhead flowering plants
Continue removing faded flowers from suitable plants.
This can improve appearance and encourage further flowering from many perennials, roses and container plants.
3. Harvest fruit and vegetables regularly
August is a major harvesting month.
Frequent picking improves quality and can encourage continued production in crops such as courgettes, beans and tomatoes.
4. Watch lawns during dry weather
Raise the mowing height and reduce mowing frequency if grass growth slows.
Established lawns may become dormant during drought and usually recover later.
5. Prune suitable summer-flowering shrubs and climbers
Certain shrubs and climbers can be pruned after flowering.
Always follow the requirements of the individual plant.
6. Keep containers fed and watered
Container-grown plants can exhaust both moisture and nutrients quickly during late summer.
Check them frequently.
7. Cut back plants that have finished flowering
Some herbaceous plants benefit from being cut back once their main display has ended.
This can encourage fresh foliage and make borders look neater.
8. Collect seed
August is a useful month for collecting seed from many garden plants.
Allow seed heads to dry and collect them on a dry day.
9. Keep checking for pests and diseases
Warm weather can encourage aphids, vine weevil, spider mites and fungal problems.
Inspect plants regularly.
10. Start planning autumn planting
Late summer is an excellent time to identify gaps and plan new trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials for autumn planting.
Herbaceous Perennials
August borders can still be extremely colourful, but some plants will begin to show signs of exhaustion.
Continue deadheading suitable plants to encourage repeat flowering.
Plants that often benefit include:
Roses
Salvias
Dahlias
Penstemons
Heleniums
Rudbeckias
Echinaceas
Phlox
Nepeta
Cut back plants that have completely finished flowering where this improves the appearance of the border.
However, consider leaving attractive seed heads on plants that provide autumn and winter structure or wildlife value.
Support tall late-summer perennials after strong winds or heavy rain.
Keep weeds under control because they continue growing and setting seed throughout August.
Water newly planted perennials thoroughly during dry spells.
Established plants may cope better with temporary drought, but those growing in shallow or sandy soils can still suffer.
August is also a good month to assess how well the planting scheme has performed.
Look for:
Gaps in late-summer colour
Plants that have become too dominant
Areas lacking foliage contrast
Perennials that require division
Places where additional grasses or structural plants would improve the border
These observations can guide autumn planting and division.
Trees and shrubs are still in active growth during August, although some may begin slowing as the season progresses.
Newly planted trees remain a priority for watering.
Large specimen trees can look established above ground while their root systems are still restricted to the original rootball.
Check:
Soil moisture
Stakes
Tree ties
Rootball stability
Mulch
Signs of leaf scorch or premature leaf drop
Loosen ties that are becoming tight around expanding stems.
Hedges may require trimming, but always inspect carefully for active bird nests before cutting.
Some shrubs that have finished flowering can be pruned now.
Examples may include certain:
Philadelphus
Weigela
Deutzia
Climbing plants
Rambling roses
The correct timing depends on the species and the age of the flowering wood.
Remove damaged or diseased growth where necessary.
Avoid unnecessary heavy pruning of plants that are preparing flower buds for the following year.
Continue watering recently planted evergreen shrubs during dry weather.
Evergreens can lose substantial moisture through their foliage even when temperatures begin to fall.
August lawn care depends heavily on rainfall.
During wet periods, grass may continue growing quickly.
During drought, growth may slow almost completely.
Mow according to conditions rather than habit.
During hot, dry weather:
Raise the cutting height
Reduce mowing frequency
Avoid unnecessary feeding
Avoid heavy scarification
Minimise traffic where grass is stressed
Established lawns may turn brown during drought.
This is usually a natural survival response rather than permanent damage.
Newly laid turf and newly seeded lawns are much more vulnerable and should not be allowed to dry out.
Continue edging lawns where necessary to maintain a neat appearance.
If late August turns cooler and wetter, lawn growth may begin increasing again.
This can be a useful time to assess areas that may require autumn renovation, scarification or aeration.
August is one of the busiest months for harvesting fruit.
Depending on location and variety, crops may include:
Raspberries
Blackberries
Plums
Early apples
Early pears
Blueberries
Currants
Gooseberries
Harvest fruit regularly and remove damaged or rotting specimens.
Plums and other stone fruit should be picked carefully when ripe.
This is also the appropriate season for pruning many stone fruit trees where necessary.
Cherries, plums, damsons and gages are generally pruned during active growth rather than winter to help reduce the risk of diseases such as silver leaf.
Summer pruning can also be carried out on trained apples and pears where appropriate.
This helps control vigorous growth and encourages light to reach developing fruit.
Continue watering fruit trees and bushes during prolonged dry periods.
Birds and wasps may become increasingly interested in ripening crops.
Use appropriate protection where necessary while ensuring wildlife cannot become trapped.
August is a major harvesting month in the vegetable garden.
Many crops will need picking almost daily.
Possible harvests include:
Tomatoes
Courgettes
Runner beans
French beans
Peas
Beetroot
Carrots
Potatoes
Lettuce
Cucumbers
Sweetcorn
Onions
Shallots
Pick courgettes while they are relatively small if you want plants to continue producing.
Harvest runner and French beans frequently before pods become tough.
Tomatoes should be harvested as they ripen.
Continue side-shooting cordon tomatoes where appropriate and remove excessive lower foliage if it is restricting airflow.
Keep greenhouse crops watered consistently.
Irregular watering can contribute to problems such as fruit splitting and blossom-end rot.
Continue sowing crops for autumn and winter where appropriate.
These may include:
Spinach
Chard
Radishes
Spring onions
Lettuce
Oriental greens
Turnips
Some winter salads
Lift onions and shallots once foliage naturally falls and conditions are suitable for drying.
Water crops deeply during prolonged dry weather.
Herbs are highly productive during August.
Harvest regularly and preserve surplus growth where useful.
Suitable herbs may be:
Dried
Frozen
Added to oils
Used in sauces
Used fresh
Common crops include:
Basil
Mint
Oregano
Thyme
Sage
Rosemary
Parsley
Coriander
Dill
Basil is often at its best during warm August conditions.
Pinch out flower heads if the plant is being grown primarily for foliage.
Allow some herbs to flower for pollinators.
Oregano, mint, thyme and chives can attract large numbers of bees and other beneficial insects.
Container-grown herbs can dry very quickly.
Mediterranean species prefer good drainage, while mint and parsley generally tolerate more moisture.
Coriander may bolt rapidly during warm weather, so repeated sowing can help maintain fresh foliage.
August can be one of the most demanding months for water features.
Evaporation can be significant during prolonged warm weather.
Check water levels regularly.
Low water can cause pumps to run inefficiently or even become damaged.
Inspect:
Pumps
Filters
Reservoirs
Pipework
Fountains
Rills
Jets
Grilles
Lighting
Clean filters where necessary.
Remove excessive blanket weed or algae while taking care to protect aquatic wildlife.
Pond plants can become overcrowded by late summer.
Thin excessive growth selectively.
Do not remove all vegetation at once.
Top up wildlife ponds where necessary.
Rainwater is preferable where practical.
Keep an eye on water temperature in small ponds and containers, as shallow water can heat rapidly.
Ensure wildlife has access to shaded or deeper areas where possible.
August is a good month to keep patios, paths and entertaining areas looking their best.
Heavy use can expose loose joints, worn areas and drainage issues.
Inspect:
Porcelain paving
Natural stone
Steps
Paths
Driveways
Paving joints
Walls
Retaining walls
Drainage channels
Manhole covers
Raised beds
Sweep regularly and remove debris.
Weeds growing in joints should be removed before they become established.
Cut back vegetation that is encroaching onto paths and steps.
Check that outdoor seating areas remain comfortable and practical.
August is also a useful month for assessing whether the hard landscaping functions well during peak summer use.
Look at:
Shade
Privacy
Access
Seating position
Circulation
Outdoor dining space
Garden lighting
Drainage
These observations can be extremely useful if alterations are planned later in the year.
Climbers and other plants can place significant weight on garden structures during August.
Inspect:
Pergolas
Arches
Trellis
Fences
Gates
Privacy screens
Gazebos
Garden buildings
Tie in new climbing growth where required.
Loosen ties that are becoming tight.
Prune suitable climbers after flowering according to their individual requirements.
Wisteria is commonly summer pruned to control long, whippy growth.
Reduce new growth according to the normal pruning method while retaining the permanent framework.
Check gutters and roofs on garden buildings.
Falling leaves will soon become more of an issue, so August is a useful time to ensure everything is clear before autumn.
Clean garden lighting and reposition fittings if foliage has altered the way light falls across the garden.
House plants are usually still growing strongly during August.
Continue watering and feeding according to individual requirements.
Warm temperatures can cause pots to dry quickly.
Plants positioned close to windows may suffer scorching during very bright weather.
Check regularly for:
Spider mites
Aphids
Mealybugs
Scale insects
Fungus gnats
Spider mites can be particularly troublesome during hot, dry conditions.
Continue removing dead and damaged leaves.
Pinch out excessive leggy growth where appropriate.
House plants spending summer outdoors should be inspected carefully.
Check for slugs, snails and other pests before eventually bringing plants back indoors.
Towards the end of August, begin watching night temperatures for tropical plants kept outside.
Some species will need moving indoors before autumn temperatures fall significantly.
August weather in the UK can range from heat and drought to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Hot Weather
Water plants early in the morning or later in the day where practical.
Prioritise:
Newly planted trees
New hedges
Containers
Vegetable crops
New lawns
Recently planted perennials
Avoid wasting water on areas that do not genuinely require irrigation.
Drought
Established plants may show some stress during prolonged dry periods.
Apply mulch and water deeply where necessary.
Avoid shallow, frequent watering that encourages roots to remain close to the surface.
Thunderstorms
Heavy summer rain can cause localised flooding and flatten tall planting.
Check drains, supports and ties after storms.
Strong Winds
Late-summer storms can damage heavily foliaged trees and shrubs.
Inspect newly planted trees and structures following strong winds.
Cooler Nights
Towards the end of August, nights can begin feeling noticeably cooler.
This can signal the first transition towards autumn, particularly in northern and exposed gardens.
Plants to enjoy in August
Border and rock garden
Rudbeckia
Rudbeckias provide intense yellow and golden flowers and are among the defining plants of late summer.
Echinacea
Coneflowers bring strong daisy-like flowers in pink, white, orange and other tones.
Their seed heads can later provide excellent autumn and winter structure.
Helenium
Warm red, orange and yellow flowers work particularly well in prairie and naturalistic planting.
Crocosmia
Crocosmia provides bold colour through orange, red and yellow flower spikes.
Dahlia
Dahlias can provide exceptional late-summer colour and continue flowering until frost with regular deadheading.
Verbena bonariensis
Tall purple flower heads create movement and height without forming a dense visual barrier.
Agapanthus
Large blue or white flower heads continue providing strong architectural colour.
Phlox paniculata
Summer Phlox produces large flower heads and often adds fragrance to the border.
Persicaria
Long-flowering Persicarias bring upright flower spikes and strong foliage.
Japanese Anemone
Japanese anemones begin producing elegant late-summer flowers and can continue well into autumn.
Trees and shrubs with foliage of interest
Foliage remains a major part of the August garden.
Acer palmatum
Japanese maples continue providing delicate foliage and elegant form.
Cotinus coggygria
Purple, green or golden foliage creates excellent contrast.
Sambucus nigra
Dark-leaved elder varieties provide strong depth within mixed planting.
Cercis canadensis
Heart-shaped foliage remains an architectural feature throughout summer.
Fatsia japonica
Bold evergreen leaves give excellent structure, particularly in shade.
Hostas
Hostas continue to provide lush foliage where moisture levels are adequate.
Rodgersia
Large leaves create a dramatic presence in moisture-retentive and partially shaded areas.
Heuchera
Colourful foliage remains valuable as some summer flowers begin fading.
Trees with colourful fruit
August is when ornamental fruits and berries begin to become significantly more colourful.
Sorbus – Rowan
Rowan berries often begin ripening into strong shades of orange, red, yellow or pink depending on the species and cultivar.
Malus – Crab Apples
Crab apples become more prominent and begin developing their mature autumn colours.
Crataegus – Hawthorn
Haws begin ripening and may turn increasingly red during late summer.
Pyracantha
Large clusters of developing berries can begin taking on yellow, orange or red colour.
Cotoneaster
Numerous Cotoneasters begin producing colourful red or orange fruits.
Ilex aquifolium – Holly
Holly berries are developing well and may begin showing hints of colour as autumn approaches.
Greenhouse plants in flower
Greenhouses can remain highly productive and colourful during August.
Pelargoniums
Regular deadheading and feeding can keep Pelargoniums flowering strongly.
Fuchsias
Fuchsias are often at their best during late summer.
Begonias
Begonias continue producing abundant flowers in warm protected conditions.
Streptocarpus
Cape primroses can continue flowering over long periods.
Abutilon
Abutilons provide attractive hanging flowers throughout summer.
Bougainvillea
Bright bracts can remain spectacular under warm, sunny conditions.
Orchids
Various orchid species and hybrids may flower during August depending on their individual growth cycles.
Looking Ahead to Autumn
August may still feel like high summer, but the garden is already beginning to change.
Days are slowly shortening, some plants are completing their flowering cycle and berries are beginning to develop colour.
This makes August an excellent month to think about what the garden needs for autumn and the following year.
Identify areas that lacked late-season colour.
Consider where autumn bulbs could be planted.
Mark perennials that need dividing.
Look at trees and shrubs that may need moving or replacing once dormant conditions return.
Most importantly, continue looking after new planting.
Trees and shrubs that have survived spring can still suffer badly if allowed to dry out during late summer.
Regular maintenance now can extend the season considerably.
Deadhead, harvest, water intelligently and keep borders tidy enough to allow the strongest late-summer plants to take centre stage.
A well-planned August garden should not feel like summer is ending. It should feel like the beginning of another distinct and colourful season.