As we transition to late summer, August is a pivotal month for gardeners due to its unique climate and impact on the local environment.
As the last full month of summer, August often brings the year's hottest temperatures. Although in Boma's North London local, it can be pretty unpredictable. Typically though, August is associated with increased evaporation and potential drought stress for plants.
The days are noticeably shorter than in June and July, signalling the gradual transition towards autumn. The reduction in daylight hours and the sun's angle can affect photosynthesis, how plants absorb light, and plant development.
Additionally, many plants are at the peak of their growth and blooming cycles, making it an ideal time for pruning, deadheading, and harvesting.
Understanding these changes helps gardeners prepare for the upcoming cooler months, ensuring their gardens remain vibrant and healthy through the seasonal transition.
Whether you have a sprawling garden, a cosy patio, or a few hanging baskets, there’s plenty to do to keep your outdoor spaces looking their best.
Boma Garden Centre is here to help you with our top 10 gardening tips for August, with a unique understanding of common issues facing gardeners in our local urban environment around Kentish Town and North London.
Plus, it's the ideal time for some fantastic deals on plants and pots as August is prime time for Boma's summer sale for great savings on all your gardening needs!
1. Maintain Your Lawns
August is a pivotal month for lawn care. The warmer weather can stress your grass, so it’s essential to keep it healthy and vibrant. Mow your lawn regularly, but not too short – aim for a height of about 2.5-3 cm to keep the grass strong and withstanding the heat. Water deeply but infrequently, and consider feeding your lawn with High-quality Lawn Food to promote root growth and drought resistance.
2. Refresh Your Bedding Plants
Bedding plants can start to look tired by August. To keep your borders and beds looking fresh, deadhead spent flowers regularly. This encourages new blooms and extends the flowering period. If your bedding plants are past their best, visit our in-store bedding section to pick up vibrant replacements. Be aware, there's a much bigger range at the garden centre than online.
Calibrachoa in a zinc metalic window box available at Boma
3. Care for Perennials
As perennials provide a backbone of colour in your outdoor space, it's essential during this period to deadhead and cut back any spent flower spikes to encourage a second flush of blooms. Mulching around the base of perennials with compost can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. For additional variety, explore our extensive range of perennialsto add long-lasting beauty to your garden.
4. Plant Shrubs and Trees
August is an excellent time to plant shrubs and trees. The soil is warm, which helps roots establish before winter sets in. Consider adding garden shrubs or evergreen plants for year-round structure and interest. Boma offers a variety of shrubs and trees, including olive trees and bay trees, perfect for adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.
5. Enhance Your Patio with Containers
Fibreglass clay window boxes with perennials and bedding plants available at Boma Garden Centre
Containers are a versatile way to add colour and interest to patios and balconies. Refresh your garden pots, large planters and window boxes with late-summer blooming plants or evergreen varieties to keep your outdoor space looking lively. Make sure to use high-quality compost and feed regularly with appropriate plant food. Visit our garden pots section to find the perfect planters for your space.
6. Irrigation and Watering
Consistent watering is crucial during the hot month of August. Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, as this reduces evaporation and allows plants to absorb moisture. Consider setting up an efficient irrigation system to ensure your plants receive the right amount of water. Check out our range of irrigation and watering solutions at Boma to keep your garden hydrated.
7. Prepare for Autumn Planting
August is the ideal time to start planning for autumn planting. Consider planting vegetable plants now to ensure a bountiful harvest in the cooler months. Additionally, August is perfect for planting herbs. Our selection of herb plants at Boma can provide fresh flavours for your kitchen and aromatic scents for your garden. The instant herb collections with and without garden pots, make it even easier to start a herb garden.
8. Revitalise Your Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets can dry out quickly in the summer heat, so it’s crucial to keep them well-watered. Feeding them with an organic potassium-rich fertiliser will promote continued blooming. If your baskets are looking tired, consider refreshing them with new bedding plants or trailing perennials.
9. Mulch and Compost
Applying mulch around plants helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. Use a high-quality garden compost to mulch around your plants. Visit our garden compost section to find the best options to enrich your garden soil.
10. Seek Expert Advice and Enjoy Our Summer Sale
Boma Garden Centre’s summer sale is the perfect opportunity to stock up on gardening essentials at fantastic prices. Whether you need new plants, gardening tools, or advice, our knowledgeable horticulture team is here to help. Visit us in Kentish Town to take advantage of our special offers and receive personalised tips for your garden, patio, or balcony.
Visit Boma Garden Centre Today
August is a busy month in the garden, and with these tips, you can keep your outdoor space looking its best. Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town is your go-to destination for all your gardening needs. From roses and ferns to grassesand plant food, we have everything you need to create and maintain a beautiful garden.
Our summer sale is not to be missed, with great deals across a wide range of products. Come and explore our extensive collection, get expert advice from our horticulture team, and find the perfect plants and accessories for your garden.
Don’t wait – visit Boma Garden Centre in Kentish Town today and make the most of your garden this August!
For the best in gardening advice and supplies, visit Boma Garden Centre. Whether you’re looking to refresh your borders, enhance your patio, or find the perfect plants for your hanging baskets, our team is here to help. Explore our summer sale, get expert tips, and transform your garden into a summer paradise.
