09 Aug Jobs to get done in the garden in August

August is usually the time we get into the garden and enjoy all of our hard work from the preceding months. While the lock down is still in force around the country (albeit loosening somewhat) the best and safest place to be is still, at home.

If you are unsure about anything regarding the coronavirus, make sure you follow the Government’s advice, and our very own James Sumner has been publishing updates specifically aimed at our residents.

As the heat has let up a little we thought we’d take a look some of the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardening tips and what jobs you need to do this month.

Watering

It’s been extremely hot recently so you need to make sure that you are on top of watering your lawn and plants. If you can, try and use any reserves that remain in your water butts or grey water in order to conserve water reserves as much as possible. Remember, watering should be done in the evening or very early in the morning in order to get maximum benefit.

Prune and Deadhead

If you have wisteria in your garden, now is the time to give it a good prune in order to maintain its shape as well as control its growth. Regular pruning will also improve the flowering display; while stopping it from getting in to guttering and windows.

Removing dead heads from your flowering plants will keep them looking attractive and encourage more blooms. This can be done with secateurs or simply pinch them off at the stalk with your finger and thumb.

Collect seeds

Seeds can be saved from many trees and shrubs. We all have our favourites, so make sure you collect and store your seeds ready for planting in the spring. Pick the seed heads, either singly or on stalks, and lay them out to dry on a greenhouse bench, warm windowsill or in an airing cupboard. This enables seed to be more easily extracted from pods, cones or capsules; if they don’t open when dry, gently crush pods and capsules to release the seed. Depending on the seeds, you’ll either need to store them in a dry, airtight container or sow them immediately.

Ponds and water features

Ponds encourage wildlife to your garden and are a lovely addition to your outdoor space. In the warmer months it is even more important that you keep them topped up. They provide a rich habitat, however without care ponds can soon become an eyesore with overgrown plants, weeds and water that is unhealthy for fish and other wildlife.

Soil care

Green manures are ideal for those of you with vegetable gardens that need to return valuable nutrients to the soil and improve its structure. Green manures are fast-growing plants sown to cover bare soil. Often used in the vegetable garden, their foliage smothers weeds and their roots prevent soil erosion

Get in Touch

Remember, if you would like to know more about living in Warfield Park or would like to write an article for our blog you can call us on 01344 884666 or email us. If you would like to keep up with all the park news, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Stay up to date on COVID-19

Remember, if you would like to know more about Coronavirus (COVID-19) please only refer to reputable sources such as the Government website. We have also been posting regular updates from James Sumner – you can see the latest update here. Should you need to contact us, you can call us on 01344 884666 or email us. Make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for regular updates.