With just one month left in winter, it’s time to start thinking about your spring gardening and getting your garden prepared for the warmer months.
Here’s a few jobs you should think about completing in the garden this August:
Prune dormant plants – August is a good time to finish pruning dormant plants, including rose bushes, as they will start to grow again in late July and early August. Prune at a 45-degree angle to help the plan heal better. Deciduous fruit trees should also be pruned now (excluding apricots).
Fertilise your lawn and gardens – your plants and gardens will benefit from a good slow-release fertiliser, while lawns should receive an application of a product like Weed ‘n’ Feed to encourage growth after the late rains and control weeds such as bindii.
Keep an eye on citrus trees – these trees should be harvested daily during August, as you do not want your fruit to over-ripen. Make sure to taste-test first, as although the fruit may have a good colour, there’s also the chance they may not be quite sweet enough to eat yet.
Mulch those garden beds – take advantage of any late winter rains by ensuring garden beds have a good layer of mulch. This will help lock in as much of the moisture that has fallen as possible. Evaporation of moisture during September can be reduced by making sure you have a layer of mulch at least 10cm thick.
Start those landscaping projects you’ve been putting off – August is a great time to get any big projects started so that they are completed in time for summer, leaving more time for entertaining. The cooler weather will also make it much more comfortable for you while you are slogging it out in the garden.
Prep outdoor areas for the summer months – now is also a great time to start cleaning outdoor entertaining areas and furniture so they are ready when the warmer weather hits.
August is also a great time to start planting certain vegetables and flowers. The best vegetables to plant at this time of year are beetroot, carrots, silverbeet, potato, peas, artichoke, onions, rocket, spinach, radish, celery, cabbage, lettuce; while the best flowers to plant include marigold, nasturtium, dianthus, begonia, carnation, gazania and statice.
For more information or further advice, speak to your local garden specialist.
