August and everything after

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Oh, Britain. How we are at your weather's mercy. It might seem like I'm obsessed with talking about the weather, but my goodness hasn't it been a washout? Of course, it's not just a random issue that we've had the wettest, windiest summer on record. The planet is on fire, we're burning and frankly, it's overwhelming. Climate change is very much upon us, and it's like we're driving along the motorway at full speed with a blindfold on, just hoping it'll be ok... 


It's been a challenge for gardeners to say the least. My dad's allotment has been hit badly by tomato blight, whereas my toms - blight free, thank goodness, see pic - are INCREDIBLY slow to ripen. The slug and snail struggle is REAL, I've lost all my chillis, padron peppers and nasturtiums. I also feel like we're still waiting for lots to happen, and that we're delayed a month or so to how things would be normally. 

My gardening jobs this month have been many, and varied. I love it. I have met so many lovely people and worked in some gorgeous gardens - some brimming with life and needing taming, and others teetering on the edge of potential, my planting plans helping them start to come to life. 

In August, gardens can start to look a little messy - things are starting to finish. Everything needs deadheading (my obsession). It can all go a bit wild and unruly. Below is my list of what you should be doing in your gardens in August - but of course, you can always book me in to help tick things off the list. I'm also taking bookings now for planting plans for the spring. Contact me to find out more.

August garden tips

  1. Sow hardy annuals for next year
  2. Take cuttings of salvias
  3. Pot up any strawberry runners
  4. Strip back the lower leaves of your tomato plants
  5. Going on holiday? Ask someone to water your garden!
  6. Trim back lavender plants after flowering
  7. Plant autumn bulbs eg. nerines
  8. Deadhead (obvs)
  9. Sow beetroot, salad crops, radishes
  10. Start collecting seeds to sow next spring

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Facebook at @terralegradesign

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