Tips for August 2025

Shorten the long whippy growth on Wisteria back to five or six leaves. This will encourage flower buds to develop and keep the plant tidy and manageable.

Check sweet corn cobs are ripe before picking. Tassels at the cob end should be chocolate brown and the kernels, when pierced contain a creamy liquid.

Shear back Alchemilla Mollis and hardy Geraniums to ground level for fresh foliage and perhaps a second flush of flowers.

Most rambling roses flower just once in summer and should be pruned after flowering, thinning out one in three of the oldest stems at the base, tying in new, replacement shoots and shortening flowered side shoots by two thirds.

Lift spring sown and spring planted onions and shallots once the foliage  yellows and topples over. Dry bulbs in a single layer in full sun outdoors, or in a greenhouse or well ventilated shed for two weeks before storing.

Camellias and Rhododendrons start producing flower buds now so during dry spells need regular and thorough watering.

Lightly trim lavender after flowering, remove spent flower- heads, leaving 2.5cm of the current seasons growth.

Wait until the end of the month to prune beech, hornbeam or other hedges to avoid late nesting birds.

Sow quick maturing salad crops such as lettuce, radishes, salad onions and spinach for an autumn crop.

Towards the end of the month plant autumn crocus 10cm deep and 15cm apart in fertile well drained soil in full sun. Wear gloves when handling corns and water in well once planted.