August Garden Care: Planting, Pruning and Soil Tips

Garden experts advise that August remains a productive month for a range of tasks.  Planting mature seedlings of perennials such as Japanese anemone, coreopsis, and chrysanthemum can give a head start for next‑year blooms, while seed‑saving from late‑season flowers provides a free source of new plants.  For roses, early‑August pruning of spent blooms and a shift from nitrogen‑rich fertilizers to potassium‑rich feed help the plants stay vigorous through October.  Tomato growers are warned against over‑watering; a single deep watering in the early morning or evening is preferred, and drip‑irrigation systems that save up to 32 % of water are recommended.  Compost and growing‑media retailers are seeing demand for peat‑free mixes, with sustainability and price becoming key buying factors.  Bird feeders benefit from placing sliced apples and pears on the lawn in August, supporting fledgling songbirds during their peak feeding period.  Overall, the month is presented as an opportunity to address soil health, pest control, and plant nutrition before the cooler season begins.