Gardening in August: What to do and what to plant?

August is a good time to garden due to the warm and sunny weather, ideal for plant growth, and the opportunity to plan for future plant moves and autumn vegetable harvests.

Things to do in your garden in August:

• Begin harvesting celery and French beans
• Plant autumn-flowering bulbs such as crocus, colchicum, and sternbergia
• Prune all summer-flowering shrubs, such as climbing hydrangeas
• Sow spinach, radish and winter lettuce directly in the garden ground
• Plan for future plant moves and spring bulb displays
• Top up ponds and bird baths regularly
• Check and maintain irrigation systems
• Take basal cuttings of shrubs
• Tie in climbers to support structures
• Prune wisteria to encourage new growth and control its size
• Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves from plants to prevent the spread of disease
• Most importantly take time to enjoy your garden and relax in the warm August sunshine

Things to plant in August

August is a great time to plant a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers in your garden. Some vegetables and herbs that can be planted in August include kale, arugula, lettuce, spinach, collards, mustard, basil, beets, broccoli, and garlic. Additionally, cucumbers, squash, gourds, and pumpkins are good choices if you have room for vines to roam.

Did you manage to get all of your July tasks done? Maybe it’s good to make a start on your to-do list for September too…

Looking for more on gardening?

The climate in France is generally milder than the UK, allowing for a wider variety of plants to thrive. Many properties in France come with large gardens, providing ample space for various gardening activities. So if you’re looking for inspiration or information, take a look at our gardening page