As any green-thumb is sure to tell you, a garden needs maintenance and love all year round. While the chilly temperatures of winter make us reluctant to go outside, getting out and planting these few things in August means you’ll have a lovely fruitful garden when the warmer weather rolls around in spring. If you planted any winter veggies or herbs then now is your last chance to reap the rewards.
Warm areas
If you live in area that is mostly frost free, rocket, silver beet, spring onions, lettuce, parsley, zucchini, pumpkins and leeks are veggies that will do well in your garden this August. Flowering plants such as petunias, marigolds and celosia can be planted this month and will attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to your garden. As it gets warmer, sow tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant, beans, cucumber, cabbage, carrots, radish, and even early season potatoes.
Cold areas
If your home experiences low temperatures for extended periods of time, such as in Tasmania or Victoria, then this is your very last chance to plant fruit trees such as apples, plums, nectarines, peaches and deciduous exotic trees. Spinach, peas, onions, broccoli, rocket, cauliflower, silver beet and beetroots will all do well if planted in August in these areas. You could even try your hand at growing kale.
Temperate areas
Once the occasional frosts have cleared up you can plant beetroot, lettuce, parsnip, peas, radishes, celery, onions and rocket. Early varieties of spring vegetables like carrots, silverbeet, and spinach can tolerate the cold. However, you’re better off with seedlings because seeds will take a while to come up.
All areas
Pruning and weeding is a must-do job at this time of the year, and if you’re planning to plant tomatoes in September, now is the time to prepare you garden beds with compost, mulch and water. Deciduous fruit trees will appreciate a trim at this time of the year, and if it’s particularly cold, make the most of a chilly situation and head to shed for a bit of gardening tool maintenance. The biggest thing you can do for your garden in August is feed the soil. Start digging in any compost or manures and adding fertilisers so that they’re breaking down by the time you’re ready to plant.
You might also like:
How to irrigate your garden beds
How to get the best results from your garden beds in winter
How to care for your lawn in winter
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