Gardening tips for late summer maintenance and preparation

As summer transitions into late season, gardening experts suggest shifting focus from intensive maintenance to preparation and enjoyment. Key tasks for August include harvesting vegetables and herbs frequently to encourage continued production and pruning flowers to maintain blooms.

For plant propagation, August is an ideal time for taking cuttings. Many plants, such as hydrangea, lavender, and rosemary, have semi-ripe shoots that root quickly in the warm soil. Taking 10 to 15 centimeter cuttings and placing them in moist, airy soil can provide free plants for the following spring.

Maintenance strategies are also evolving for the late season. While deadheading is common in early summer, experts suggest that by late August, it may be beneficial to leave some seed heads on plants like coneflowers and sunflowers to provide food and architectural interest for wildlife during the fall and winter. Additionally, gardeners can refresh their outdoor spaces by cleaning and oiling existing wooden furniture or repurposing items like old ladders as plant stands.