As we move into August, it’s easy to assume the gardening year is starting to wind down. The big rush of spring planting has passed, summer holidays are underway, and some borders may be looking a little tired. But in truth, August is a great time to get back into the garden, with warm soil, decent weather, and loads of opportunity to make your outdoor space shine well into autumn and beyond.
At this time of year, even just a few small additions or tweaks can breathe new life into your beds, borders, and containers. Whether you’re topping up pots, freshening up planting schemes, or thinking ahead to the seasons to come, there’s still plenty you can do.
Why August is a Smart Month for Gardeners
Although the longest days of summer are behind us, the soil is still warm and workable, often even warmer than in spring. This gives any new plants the perfect conditions to settle in quickly and start developing strong root systems before the colder months arrive.
Another bonus? The weather is often more comfortable to work in than during the height of summer, and pests like aphids and caterpillars tend to ease off a little in late summer. It’s also a good time to step back and see what gaps or tired patches might benefit from a boost of colour or structure.
What to Plant in August
August is ideal for planting late-flowering perennials, ornamental grasses, and pollinator-friendly plants that will extend the season’s interest right into autumn. These not only add instant impact now, but also come back stronger next year.
Perennials like rudbeckia, echinacea, sedum, asters, and heleneiums are excellent options for this time of year. Many of these are long-flowering, easy to care for, and loved by bees and butterflies. They’re also perfect for bringing rich tones, golds, pinks, oranges, and purples, into borders that might be fading from their early-summer glory.
Grasses such as Miscanthus, Stipa, or Pennisetum are great for adding movement and texture, especially when combined with bold flowers. They also provide interest well into the colder months, as their seed heads catch the autumn light and winter frost.
You can also refresh containers and hanging baskets with a mix of hardy herbaceous plants, compact grasses or even foliage plants like heucheras, which come in a wide range of colours and do well through the colder months. These will be available from August.
If you’re growing veg, August is a good time to sow crops like winter salads, chard, and spring cabbages, especially in raised beds, cold frames, or pots.
Garden Care in August
This is a slightly less hectic month in the gardening calendar, but a little maintenance goes a long way:
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Deadhead faded blooms to encourage more flowers and keep things looking tidy.
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Water deeply and consistently, especially in dry spells. Mornings are best to reduce evaporation and avoid mildew.
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Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
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Feed flowering plants and fruiting vegetables with a high-potash fertiliser to keep them productive.
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Watch for slugs and aphids, particularly after rain or in sheltered spots.
Looking Ahead
August is also a great time to start planning for the months ahead. Spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops, and alliums can be planted from late summer into autumn. Getting them in the ground early helps them establish well and gives you a head start on spring colour. These bulbs will be at Riverside Plants from August.
It’s also worth thinking about any trees, shrubs, or hedging you might want to add. Autumn is a fantastic time to plant woody plants, as cooler temperatures and increased rainfall help reduce stress and encourage strong root growth, so preparing your soil now puts you ahead of the game.
Visit Riverside Plants for Ideas
If you’re not sure where to begin, pop down to Riverside Plants for ideas. Late-summer displays can be full of inspiration, whether you’re looking to inject some colour into a dull patch or completely rethink a border.
And remember, gardening in August doesn’t have to mean big projects. Sometimes, a few well-chosen additions or half an hour deadheading with a cuppa nearby can make all the difference.
