Alan Titchmarsh has revealed five key gardening jobs to tackle in August, offering hope after a challenging summer of heatwaves and drought. The renowned gardener says the month is a pivotal "bridge" to set your garden up for autumn, winter, and the following spring.
Train and prune climbers
First, Titchmarsh advises training and pruning climbers, as most will have finished growing and climbing by now. He suggests containing them and directing their growth where you want. For wisteria, he recommends pruning in July and August, shortening long shoots to a foot from the stem, then again in January to finger length. Climbing roses are also candidates for August pruning.
Plant evergreen hedges
Planting evergreen hedges is next, ideal for privacy or reducing noise pollution. Titchmarsh notes the soil is warm, and root growth will be rapid if kept moist, setting plants up for winter. He suggests Euonymus or Portuguese Laurel for privacy, and Yew for noise reduction.
Start making compost
August is a great time to start composting, as garden waste like grass clippings and hedge trimmings rot faster in summer heat. Titchmarsh recommends a compost bin made from pressure-treated soft wood, mixing ingredients like soft leaves, grass, eggshells, coffee grounds, and vegetable peelings, and adding water to speed up the process.
Be kind to yourself
Titchmarsh urges gardeners to be patient if their gardens are struggling from heat. He says rains will return, and even a burnt lawn will recover, reminding that "it's still worth being a gardener" despite tough conditions.
Plant ornamental grasses
Finally, planting ornamental grasses keeps interest into winter, as they dry beautifully and provide structure in borders. Titchmarsh appears on "Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh" on ITV.
