The Garden in August: Things to do this Month

• Seed a fall crop of peas and spinach and keep harvesting
• Pick herbs for fresh use and for drying. Harvesting will keep them growing longer
• Check that your mulch hasn't decomposed and add more as needed
• Spread a mid-season layer of compost or manure
• Keep deadheading and harvesting
• Leave some annual seeds to self-sow
• Remove any diseased foliage now, so it doesn't get lost in the fall leaves
• Cut back the foliage of early bloomers like brunnera and hardy geraniums, to revitalize the plants
• Prune summer flowering shrubs as the flowers fade
• Trim and feed handing baskets to prolong their beauty
• Take pictures of your garden at peak. Take pictures of container combinations you'd like to repeat
• Make sure the cold frame is ready to go
• Begin dividing perennials. Start with the bearded iris
• Pot up perennial divisions for spring plant swaps. Sink the pots into the ground this fall and they'll be one less chore in the spring
• Plant trees, shrubs and perennials now, so they can take root, and keep them well watered
• Get your fall-blooming crocus and colchicum planted so they'll bloom on time


• THEN SIT BACK AND ENJOY ALL YOU'VE ACCOMPLISHED!