What to do in in the garden in August

General Garden chores in August

• Plan your garden work outside according to weather, such as heat (waves) and humidity.
• Keep on top with the watering this month too.
• Watch out for for insect pests.
• Inspect and monitor your plants. The July heat and humidity often brings plant diseases. Disinfect your tools, to avoid spreading disease between plants.
• Keep up with the harvesting to avoid slowing down production.
• Plant fall crops.
• Add more mulch to areas it may have broken down significantly

Vegetables and herbs to plant in August

Late summer and time to plant a second harvest!  Many herbs and vegetables are perfect to plant at this time and be harvested in the fall.

• Clear out faded early season crops to make space for august plantings.
• Dig in some new garden space for late summer planting that also can be utilised next spring.
• Plant in containers to make it easy to move plants around due to changing conditions.
• Leafy greens: Arugula, Lettuce, Mache, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Chard, Kale.
• Asian greens; Chinese Cabbage
• Herbs: Basil, Cilantro, Dill
• Root vegetables: Beetroot, Carrots, Turnips, Potatoes, Radishes
• Cold crops transplants like cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, leek

Mid-Atlantic (USDA Zone 5-7) 

There will likely be extended heat waves in August in the Mid-Atlantic. Make sure to keep your garden hydrated.

• Stay on top with watering & irrigation
• Keep an eye out for pests
• Continue to mulch to save water water and to keep weeds away.
• Keep up with the harvesting! Too much? Herbs overflow is perfect for drying.
• Plan your winter garden and order spring bulbs.
• Time to plant leek and peas. Easy to grow and delicious. By avoiding the hottest part of summer you increase the chance for good harvest.

Midwest (USDA Zone 3–6) 

Hot days and extended heat waves is common in August. Stay ahead on the watering and focus on irrigation.

• Deadhead bulb plants when the flowers fade; don’t trim them off until leaves turn yellow. Continue deadheading annual and perennial flowers like Dahlias to promote more blooming. Tip: How to pinch Dahlias.
• In the end of July, sow fall crops like peas. 
• Keep irrigation systems in top shape by routine maintenance and check-ups.
• Harvest regularly, to keep plants producing. Melons & potatoes should be ready!
• Remove flowers from Tomatoes. And if the fall of green, ripen them indoors.
  
• After mid-August, avoid pruning shrubs to not create new growth that will fail and become damaged when cold weather comes.
• Continue to mulch to save water and suppress weeds.
• Keep July annuals watered and pest-free, so they’re ready for fall plantings.
  
• Plant quick growing plants like Arugula, Spinach, Carrots, Radishes, Peas, Kale, Lettuce and Betts.
• Save the seeds from plants that did well this year
• Plan for bringing in house plants and cooler temperatures
• Plan and and order spring bulbs. Tips: Check your notes from this season.
• Fertilize roses for the last time of this season.

Northeast (USDA Zone 4–7) 

The start of August usually brings hot, humid weather, followed by an unpredictable ending with rainy periods during.

• Water strategically according to the rain. Don’t forget your compost.
• Keep annuals for fall plantings healthy.
• Harvest vegetables and berries regularly.
• Continue to mulch.
• Remove old plants
• Avoid pruning shrubs after mid-August.
• Fertilize Trees and Shrubs one last time
• Sow and Transplant shrubs and fall crops like beets, carrots, kale, dill, spinach, winter squash
• Plan your bulb garden and order bulbs. Tips: Check your notes from this season.
• Plant flowers like Divide Peonies

Pacific Northwest (USDA zone 7–9)

Here you will most likely experience moderate temperatures and some rainy days. Adjust your watering according to the rain to prevent drought. Sensitive: Bud setting and berry production.

• Replace early summer crops with fall crops like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cauliflower. August is also a good time to plant cold crops, such as lettuce, spinach, beets, carrots.
• Fertilize summer-flowering bulbs, such as dahlias. Tip: How to pinch Dahlias.
• Stop fertilizing perennials, shrubs, and trees.
• Plant autumn bulbs. Tips: Check your notes from this season.
• Harvest fruit and vegetables regularly to encourage further production
• Keep on feeding and watering your compost

Pacific West Coast (USDA zone 7-11) 

Northern California generally has sunny, dry weather with moderate temperatures. In the Southern part you can expect warmer, dry weather.

In Northern California: 

• Plan to water your garden regularly.
• Fertilize brambles like raspberries and blackberries. 
• Spray grapevines to prevent mildew.
• Plant garlic for the spring.
• Regularly harvest ripe fruits and veggies.
• Clean up your rose garden through deadheading and pruning.

In Southern California: 

• Plan to water your garden regularly.
• Continue to mulch for weed prevention and water retention.
• Regularly harvest ripe fruits and veggies.
• Start planning your fall garden with cool-weather crops.

Southwest (USDA zone 4-7)

August usually still comes with very hot temperatures and little rain.

• Keep irrigation systems in top shape by routine maintenance and check-ups. Water regularly and well. 10 smart tips for watering 
• Prevent sunburned plants, ex give young perennials and succulents some afternoon shade. If you’re planting, use movable containers.
• Deadhead flowers and stomp weeds
• Prune tomato plants for a greater fall production and harvest.
• Plant tomatoes. You may be able to grow a crop of fall tomatoes. Quick tip: Transplant in 30 sec.
• Plant perennials
• Other good things to plant: Dill, Cilantro, Cucumber, Corn & other cold crops.
• Plan your spring garden and order bulbs

Southeast (USDA 6–11)

Here you are most likely to expect hot weather and some rain during August.

• Continue to apply mulch as needed for moisture retention and weed suppression.
• Keep space in the garden to let air pass through. Divide overgrown perennials, thin crops and flowers.
• Stay on top of pests and diseases, especially fungal diseases. Remove any affected plants or parts of plants.
• Harvest summer crops, and start planning your herb and vegetable garden for the fall. Check your app for  last years frost date and plan accordingly.
• In times of heat, water in the mornings so that the leaves are dry by evening. 
• Plant potatoes! Grow in pots or containers,
• Harvest garden
• Fertilize and deadhead both annual and perennial flowers

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