Tips for August 2026

Cut the fruited canes of summer raspberries down to ground level. Tie the strongest young green stems of the current seasons growth. 6-8 per plant to horizontal wires, spacing them 8-10cm apart.

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

Prune Wisteria by cutting back whippy growth formed during the summer to within five or six buds of the main stems. This will prevent it getting out of control and encourage flower buds to develop.

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

After flowering, cut back lavenders to about 2.5 cm below the flowered stems but do not cut into old brown wood.

Provided you do not have a hose pipe ban in your area, keep Camellias and Rhododendrons well watered to ensure good flower bud iniation for next year.

Carry out a final trim of the year on evergreen hedges this month.

Prune rambler roses by removing dead, damaged or twiggy growth, together with one in three of the oldest stems at ground level once flowering has finished. Reduce flowered side shoots to one or two buds.

Sow green manure such as grazing rye on bare ground to help prevent nutirents washing away and improve soil structure. Dig into the soil next spring or no dig, chop down and leave on the soil surface.

Even if your lawn looks dry and brown, there is no need to water. Healthy turf will recover once autumn rain arrives. You will be saving valuable water.