Gardening guide for August planting and propagation

August is an effective time for gardening activities, including planting heat-tolerant perennials and propagating specific flowering plants to ensure garden color through September.

For those looking to add structure and color, Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) is recommended. Using mature, containerized plants rather than seeds can provide faster visual results. These plants thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil and benefit from deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent light watering.

Additionally, the trumpet vine (Campsis grandiflora) can be propagated in August using two primary methods. The first is through semi-hardwood cuttings, where 10–15 cm segments are taken from healthy shoots and placed in well-draining soil. The second method involves layering, where a flexible branch is bent to the ground, wounded slightly, and secured under the soil until it develops roots.