What to Do in Garden in August | August Gardening Ideas

Wondering about What to Do in Garden in August? What are the best options? Follow our article to add beautiful fall color to your landscape!

August is the time of the year when you have tonnes of options to make changes and add a lot of appeal to your yard! How? Here’s all you need to know about What to Do in the Garden in August! 

Here are 8 Things To Do in Garden in October

 What to Do in Garden in August

1. Embrace the Fall Colors

Bring captivating hues to your august garden by adding Chrysanthemums to your flower border. With a wide variety of sizes, colors, and forms available, Chrysanthemums create a mesmerizing tapestry of colors. Moreover, these nectar-rich blooms are a favorite among pollinators, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden.

Wondering what flowers can you plant in august to complement the mums? Marigolds, Zinnia, Sunflowers, Cosmos, and Nasturtium are best planting flowers in august.

Tip: Blend single and double-flowering varieties with pansies, asters, and other fall cultivars.

Check out the best fascinating DIY fall garden ideas here

2. Re-pot Houseplants for a Fresh Start

Wondering what to do in garden in august? August is the ideal time to give your houseplants a fresh start by repotting them. During summer, as plants experience robust growth, they may become rootbound or outgrow their current pots.

Repotting in August helps plants settle in a new planter before the cool weather comes after fall.

Here’s how to repot your houseplants effectively

• Select a slightly larger pot with good drainage to ensure proper root development.
• Gently remove the plant from its current pot, being mindful not to damage the roots.
• Loosen the root ball to encourage new root growth.
• Place the plant in the new pot and fill it with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
• Water thoroughly and place the repotted plant in a location with appropriate light conditions.

Look out for these Top 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Repotting Houseplants

3. Harvest and Store Herbs

Capture the flavor and aroma of herbs at their peak by harvesting them in late summer, just before they flower. Snip the leaves in the early morning when the essential oils are most concentrated, and consider freezing them in ice cube trays for easy use in your culinary endeavors.

Here is how you can harvest and store herbs like a pro

• Rinse the harvested herbs gently to remove any debris.
• Pat the herbs dry with a clean towel or allow them to air dry.
• Chop the herbs into small pieces and place them in ice cube trays.
• Fill the trays with water or olive oil and freeze.
• Once frozen, transfer the herb cubes to a sealed container or freezer bag for convenient use in your favorite dishes.

Note: Avoid pruning perennial herbs like lavender, sage, oregano, tarragon, and thyme before one month of the last expected frost, as it accelerates new growth that cannot harden before cold weather.

Here are the Best Ways To Harvest, Preserve & Store Your Garden Herbs

4. Create a Bountiful Fall Vegetable Garden

August presents an excellent opportunity to cultivate a thriving fall vegetable garden. As the summer heat begins to wane, cool-season vegetables not only thrive in the milder temperatures but also mature into delectable harvests during the autumn months.

Starting a vegetable garden in August ensures a bountiful supply of fresh, homegrown produce as the days grow shorter.

Check out these Tips To Create A Decorative Container Vegetable Garden

Don’t know what to plant in august? Here are some cool-season vegetables that you should consider growing in your august garden.

1. Kale (Brassica oleracea): Kale is a nutrient-packed leafy green that thrives in cool weather. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent addition to any fall garden.
2. Radishes (Raphanus sativus): Radishes are quick-growing root vegetables that add a burst of color and crunch to your fall garden. They are an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a fast harvest.
3. Carrots (Daucus carota): Carrots are a staple in fall gardens, known for their sweet and earthy flavor. With various colors and shapes available, they not only taste great but also add visual interest to your garden.
4. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea): Spinach is a versatile and nutrient-rich green that thrives in cooler temperatures. It can be harvested at various stages, allowing for a continuous supply of tender leaves.
5. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea): Broccoli is a cold-hardy vegetable that produces delicious florets packed with vitamins and minerals. It is exceptionally well among the list of things to plant in august.

Find out the fast-growing fall vegetables for containers here

5. Divide and Multiply Perennial Plants

Don’t know what to do in garden in august? Revitalize your garden by dividing perennial plants like Daylilies, Hosta, Bearded Iris, and Oriental Poppy. This process involves gently lifting the plant from the ground, dividing it into smaller pieces, and re-planting them in new pots or areas.

Diving not only rejuvenates the plants but also provides you with more beautiful additions to your august garden.

Here are Perennial Flowers That Bloom From Spring to Fall Continuously

6. Refresh Your Pots with Colorful Annuals and Perennials

Till late summer, some annual blooms can appear a bit exhausted. Transform the look of the pots by planting other colorful annuals that will shine throughout the fall.

Confused about what to plant in august? It’s the perfect time to infuse new life into your outdoor spaces by planting a delightful selection of colorful annuals and perennials.

Here are the best flowers to plant in august

1. Petunias (Petunia): Petunias are classic favorites for container gardening, and their wide range of colors makes them a versatile choice for adding vibrancy to your pots.
2. Pansies (Viola x wittrockiana): With their delicate charm and a variety of colors, including bold yellows, purples, and whites, Pansies are a delightful addition to fall container gardens.
3. Asters (Aster): Asters are late-season bloomers that bring a splash of daisy-like colors to your pots. These hardy annuals come in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white.
4. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus): Nasturtiums are not only visually appealing with their vibrant red, orange, and yellow blooms but also edible. These fast-growing annuals are a great choice for fall planting.

Looking for perennials to plant in august? Go for the following august blooming perennials.

1. Coneflower (Echinacea): A classic and hardy perennial with beautiful daisy-like flowers in various colors, known for attracting pollinators and adding a vibrant touch to summer gardens.
2. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia): Bright and cheerful yellow flowers with a distinct dark center, these perennials thrive, requiring minimal care and offering long-lasting blooms.
3. Daylily (Hemerocallis): Known for their diverse range of colors and reliable blooms, daylilies are low-maintenance perennials that can brighten up any garden.
4. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia): With its silver-gray foliage and tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers, Russian Sage adds an elegant and aromatic presence to the august lawn and garden, attracting bees and butterflies.

Have a look at the best Perennial Herbs You Can Plant Once and Enjoy for Years here

7. Get Rid of Weeds

Getting rid of weeds is exactly what to do in garden in august. As the growing season comes to an end, annuals and perennials begin producing seeds that can quickly sprout in the next spring, making them tough to remove.

Get ahead of the game by using a hoe or pulling weeds from the ground, ensuring you remove their roots to prevent regrowth.

Here is how you can remove weeds successfully

• Equip yourself with the right tools, such as a hoe or hand weeder.
• Choose a sunny day with slightly moist soil for easier weed removal.
• Grasp the weed at the base and pull firmly to remove the entire plant, including its roots.
• Be thorough and regular in inspecting your august lawn and garden, promptly pulling any new weeds that emerge.

Here are the Best Ways to Use Coffee Grounds to Kill Weeds

8. Fertilize for Vigorous Growth

Boost your plants’ growth by providing them with essential nutrients through late summer and early fall fertilization. Feeding your plants during this time promotes new growth and ensures they stay healthy before the arrival of colder temperatures.

Choose a balanced fertilizer that suits the needs of your specific plants and follow the recommended application rates.

Note: If you live in a warmer region, continue feeding your august lawn and garden plants to encourage blooming through the late fall.

Here are 13 Things that Come from Your Blender that Can Fertilize Your Plants

9. Thin out Strawberry Beds

Next on what to do in garden in august is taking care of your strawberries. Keep your strawberry beds healthy by thinning them out in August. Remove overcrowded plants to allow the remaining ones to thrive and produce abundant and luscious berries.

Transplant the excess strawberry plants to new beds or share them with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

Here’s all about planting Strawberries

10. Prune with Purpose

August is an opportune time to prune your plants to encourage growth and productivity. Utilize sharp shears to give your stunted plants a rejuvenating trim and shape, keeping them in top form.

Focus on removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve plant health and appearance.

11. Opt for Flowering Shrubs and Perennials

In most regions, late summer is an ideal time to plant flowering shrubs and perennials.

Wondering what can you plant in august? Consider adding Daylilies, Hydrangeas, Sedum, Lilies, Peonies, Bearded Iris, Coleus, and Ornamental Grasses to your garden for a beautiful display of colors and textures.

Follow these steps for successful planting

• Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter.
• Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to ensure proper root establishment.
• Mulch around the plants to conserve soil moisture and protect the roots.

Note: In northern areas, cover the planting with straws or leaves in the first winter–wait till the ground freezes in late fall before covering.

Here are Beautiful Bushes with Pink Flowers

12. Give Some Shade

In regions where the summer sun beats down relentlessly, offering some shade to your plants is what to do in garden in august. Certain delicate plants like lettuces, other greens, eggplants, and peppers benefit from protection against the intense afternoon sunlight.

Providing adequate shade not only prevents sunburn and wilting but also fosters a more conducive environment for optimal growth.

1. Shade Cloth: Shade cloth is a versatile and practical option for providing shade to your plants. Drape the shade cloth over stakes or a framework to create a temporary canopy that filters sunlight and reduces its intensity. Learn how you can make one here.
2. Strategic Plant Placement: Nature’s own design can offer a cost-effective and attractive way to provide shade. Consider planting taller plants to create natural shade for your delicate plants. Tall sunflowers, trellised vines, or established trees are the best for this.
3. Use Garden Umbrellas or Shade Sails: For potted plants or small august lawn and garden areas, garden umbrellas or shade sails are an excellent option. These portable and adjustable shades can be moved as needed to shield your plants from direct sunlight.

Here are the Best Ornamental Grasses For Shade

13. Water Wisely

If your area experiences a dry August, water your plants carefully and deeply at least once a week. Proper hydration ensures their well-being and prepares them for the challenges of late summer. Watering early in the morning or late in the afternoon minimizes evaporation and allows plants to absorb water effectively.

Here are the best ways to water plants

14. Check for Pests and Diseases

As you care for your garden, take a strong approach to pest and disease management. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pests or diseases, and take prompt action to address any issues that arise.

Removing dead or decaying stems and leaves can help prevent the spread of fungal infections, and providing proper spacing between plants promotes better air circulation and reduces the risk of disease.

Here are the Best Organic Pest Control Approaches Every Gardener Should Know

15. Create Fall Containers

Here’s what to do in garden in august! Let your creativity flow and craft stunning fall containers. Mix different types of flowers and vegetables in various containers, arranging them strategically to add a burst of color and charm to your yard.

Use various container sizes and heights to create an eye-catching display, and don’t forget to incorporate seasonal elements like pumpkins and gourds for a touch of autumnal flair.

Check out some amazing fall garden ideas here

16. Store Seeds

August gifts gardeners with a precious opportunity to collect and store seeds for future plantings. Saving seeds from various plants not only allows you to grow new beauties in your garden but also saves money by propagating plants for free.

Among the seeds worth storing, beans, and poppies, stand out as amazing choices that promise beautiful blooms and bountiful harvests in the seasons to come.

Follow these simple steps to ensure your saved seeds remain viable and ready.

• Harvesting and Cleaning: When collecting seeds, wait for the pods or seed heads to dry and turn brown on the plants. Then, gently remove the seeds and place them in a container.
• Choose Suitable Containers: Opt for small, labeled envelopes or airtight containers to keep your seeds safe and organized. Clear sandwich bags or glass jars work well too.
• Cool and Dry Storage: The secret to preserving seeds lies in a cool, dry environment. Find a dark, cool spot in your home, away from direct sunlight.
• Label and Date: Proper labeling is great for identifying your seeds. Write the plant name, variety, and date of collection on each seed envelope or container to prevent confusion.

Here are 15 Free Seeds That You Can Find in Your Fridge or Pantry