We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but September is fast approaching. For the green-thumbed population, next month signifies the beginning of the end of gardening season. However, it doesn’t mean that there’s less to do in the front or back yard this month. In fact, August is the perfect time to start cleaning up and prepping for fall and for next spring. To help you get started, we’ve come up with a list of simple steps.
August Checklist:
- Start removing flowers and leaves that are wilting or dead
- Continue to water your plants regularly. Even though the evenings can be cooler in August, the days are still hot
- Protect ripening fruits from predators by covering plants with a netting
- Harvest any herbs, fruits and vegetables that are ready now
- Ensure that your mulch hasn't decomposed. Less Mess recommends covering your garden with an eight-inch-thick layer of our premium mulch towards the end of fall to protect plants from the cold
- Remove any diseased foliage now so it doesn't spread or get lost in the fall leaves later
- Sow fall seeds like beans, beets, spinach and turnips. Don’t forget to start saving seeds from your favourite plants so you can grow more next spring
- Spread a layer of compost over your garden to give plants, fruits and vegetables an extra serving of nutrients
- Start moving houseplants back indoors so they get used to less sun exposure
- Clean out cold frames so they are ready when you need them
Starting this maintenance work early will ensure your plants stay their healthiest, and will also save you time in the long run. Now get out there and enjoy the rest of the summer!
