Things to Do in the Garden in August

Ah, August. That sweet spot between “I love summer!” and “Why does everything look like it’s been through a desert apocalypse?” Your garden’s probably looking a little… let’s say “crispy” in some places, lush in others, and just plain confused everywhere else. Welcome to late summer gardening in Zone 5, where your job is equal parts rescue mission, prep work, and trying not to melt in the process.

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Whether your goal is to keep those blooms blooming, get ready for fall, or simply keep your yard looking less like an abandoned lot, here’s your August gardening to-do list (with a healthy dose of reality and sarcasm).

 

1. Water Like You Mean It

If you’ve been giving your plants the occasional sprinkle because “they’ll be fine,” think again. August heat in Zone 5 can turn your hydrangeas into crispy critters overnight. Most plants need one inch of water per week—and no, that’s not the same as waving the hose at them for 30 seconds.

• Deep soak: Water early in the morning so your plants can drink before the sun turns your soil into a frying pan.
• Sprinkler warning: Overhead watering in the heat of the day? Congratulations—you’ve just created a fungal party. Stick to watering at soil level.
• Containers: Hanging baskets and pots? They’re thirsty divas. Check them daily (sometimes twice if it’s scorching). 

Pro tip: If you’re tired of standing out there with a hose, install soaker hoses or drip irrigation. Yes, it costs money. Yes, it’s worth it.

2. Deadhead Like a Boss

Remember those flowers you planted for “constant color”? They’re not magic. If your perennials and annuals look tired, it’s probably because they’ve been busy setting seed instead of giving you pretty blooms. Deadheading—aka snipping off the spent flowers—tells the plant, “Nope, you’re not done yet.”

• Annuals: Petunias, marigolds, zinnias—keep cutting to keep them blooming.
• Perennials: Coreopsis, coneflowers, and daylilies can often push out a second flush if you clean them up.
• Exceptions: If you want seeds for birds (or to save for next year), leave some coneflowers or sunflowers as they are.

 

3. Battle the Weeds (Before They Win)

If you thought weeds were slowing down, that was cute. They’re actually ramping up for a big finale. Ragweed, crabgrass, and their annoying friends love August. Why? Because you’re tired and less motivated. Don’t give in.

• Pull weeds before they set seed (or you’ll be pulling their children and grandchildren next year).
• Add mulch where you see bare soil. It keeps weeds down and helps retain moisture. Bonus: It makes your garden look like you actually care.

4. Harvest Like You’re on a Cooking Show

Tomatoes are rolling in, zucchinis are practically multiplying in the dark, and beans… well, you probably have too many already. Pick them regularly. Why? Because vegetables left on the plant too long say, “Our work here is done,” and the plant stops producing.

• Tomatoes: Pick when they’re firm and fully coloured. (Stop squeezing them like stress balls—if they’re soft, you’re too late.)
• Cucumbers and beans: Harvest small and often for best flavour.
• Zucchini: Seriously, check daily unless you like discovering baseball bats in the garden.
• Herbs: Clip in the morning for best flavour. Bonus: Dry or freeze extras for winter. 

And hey—if you’re drowning in produce, share with neighbours. It’s cheaper than therapy and keeps you from eating zucchini bread for the rest of your life.

 

5. Prep for Fall (Yes, Already)

I know what you’re thinking: “Can I just survive August first?” But trust me—planning ahead now makes fall so much easier.

• Order bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, and allium don’t magically appear in spring. Order now before all the good ones are gone.
• Start cool-season crops: Lettuce, spinach, kale, and radishes can be sown now for a fall harvest.
• Top up mulch: Not only does it help now, it’ll pay off when temps start to dip.

6. Love Your Lawn (Or at Least Keep It Alive)

Your lawn might look like it lost a fight with the sun, but don’t panic. If it’s gone brown, it’s likely just dormant, not dead. Here’s what NOT to do:

• Don’t scalp it: Mow high—about 3 inches—to shade the roots. 
• Don’t overwater: Lawns need about an inch a week. Anything more is just wasteful (and possibly illegal during watering bans). 
• Don’t fertilize now: Save it for fall when the grass is actually growing again. 

If you want the greenest lawn on the block come September, start planning for aerating and overseeding. (Yes, we can help with that—call us.)

 

7. Check for Pests and Problems

August is like a pest buffet. Aphids, spider mites, Japanese beetles—they’re all out living their best lives.

• Look under leaves: That’s where the troublemakers hang out.
• Hose them off: For aphids and mites, a strong spray of water works wonders.
• Hand-pick beetles: Drop them in soapy water. It’s oddly satisfying. 

And let’s not forget diseases like powdery mildew, which loves hot, humid weather. If your plants look like they’ve been dusted with flour, cut off affected leaves and improve air circulation.

8. Take Notes for Next Year

You think you’ll remember which tomatoes rocked and which ones sulked in the corner? Spoiler: You won’t. Grab a notebook or your phone and jot down:

• What worked.
• What didn’t.
• Where you planted things (because crop rotation matters). 

This is the kind of nerdy garden stuff that makes you look like a pro next season.

 

9. Enjoy Your Space (Before Pumpkin Spice Takes Over)

Look, August is short. Before you get buried in mums and scarecrows, take a moment to:

• Cut some fresh flowers for the table.
• Sit outside with a cold drink and admire what you’ve done (or at least what survived).
• Take photos. Because in February, you’ll want proof that your yard wasn’t always a frozen wasteland.

Quick August Checklist

• Water deeply (not daily sprinkles).
• Deadhead spent blooms.
• Pull weeds before they seed.
• Harvest vegetables and herbs often.
• Plant cool-season crops.
• Order spring bulbs.
• Check for pests and disease.
• Plan for fall lawn care.
• Take notes for next year.

 

Final Thought

So there you have it, August might feel like the garden equivalent of that awkward part of a party where the music’s too quiet and people are leaving—but trust me, this is your chance to shine. Keep things watered, tidy, and productive, and you’ll roll into fall looking like a gardening rockstar. Or at least someone who tried. 

And hey, if this sounds like a lot of work and you’d rather spend your weekends at the lake, call us—we’ve been helping Georgina gardeners for over 40 years, and we can handle everything from fresh plant material to full-service landscaping. Because your yard deserves more than “meh.”

Happy gardening!