As we transition into the late summer months, we wanted to share some important gardening tasks and tips to ensure our plants thrive and prepare for the upcoming seasons. This is an ideal time to focus on seed collection, pruning, and planting, which will set us up for success in the future.

Firstly, it is a great opportunity to collect seeds from plants such as aquilegias, sweet peas, and love-in-a-mist. We recommend choosing a dry day for this task to ensure the seeds are fully ripened. Additionally, please remember to deadhead dahlias and other perennials regularly to encourage a continuous display of blooms throughout the summer.

During this period, it is crucial to keep camellias and rhododendrons well watered, especially as their flower buds are forming. Adequate moisture will help them flourish. Similarly, once flowering has concluded, prune lavender to maintain a compact and bushy shape, but take care to avoid cutting into old wood.

For those with rambling roses, now is the time to prune them as well. Remove up to a third of the stems that have flowered and tie the remaining stems to supports to promote healthy growth. Regular maintenance of pots and hanging baskets is essential; ensure they are watered and deadheaded frequently. I suggest adding tomato feed every fortnight to keep them thriving.

This is also an excellent time to take softwood cuttings from woody herbs, such as lavender and hyssop. Choose non-flowering shoots for the best results. Additionally, consider sowing hardy annuals in sunny spots to provide vibrant colour in early summer next year.

For those with wildflower meadows, it’s time to strim or mow the areas now that the plants have scattered their seeds. If you wish to propagate penstemons, take softwood cuttings from healthy, vigorous, non-flowering shoots.

In terms of fruit and vegetables, vigilance is key. Watch for signs of tomato and potato rot, and remove any affected plants immediately to prevent further spread. Summer pruning of both free-standing and trained apple trees will encourage good fruiting in future years. It’s also the right time to plant well-rooted strawberry runners into new beds.

For outdoor tomatoes, pinch out the tops, as further flowers are unlikely to produce fruits that will ripen in time. If you’re interested in growing saffron, now is the time to order saffron crocus bulbs (Crocus sativus) for planting in September.

Protect your blackberries and autumn raspberries from birds using netting or fleece, and lift onions and shallots once their tops die down, leaving them to dry in the sun. Regular watering of crops is essential, especially during hot weather, and using water from a water butt is encouraged where possible.

To optimise your greenhouse environment, consider implementing a capillary matting system. This will ensure your plants receive consistent moisture, especially if you’re planning to be away on holiday. For those looking to extend their growing season, plant cold-stored potato tubers in large tubs within a greenhouse or cool porch, which will allow for a harvest in time for Christmas.

In hot weather, regularly watering the greenhouse floor can significantly increase humidity levels. During times of drought, be mindful to utilise grey water, helping to conserve mains water while still maintaining a healthy greenhouse atmosphere.

Planting ‘Paper White’ narcissus bulbs now will provide beautifully fragrant indoor displays come Christmas. While tending to your tomato plants, remember to remove the lower leaves up to the lowest truss; this practice will promote better light and air circulation around the fruits, enhancing their growth.

For dormant cyclamen, start reintroducing water to bring them back into growth after their summer dormancy. Further, consider planting autumn-flowering bulbs, such as nerines, lachenalia, and veltheimia indoors, for a pop of colour during the autumn and winter months. Maintain vigilance for pests and diseases on your greenhouse plants, treating any infestations promptly.

As your tomato, cucumber, and chilli plants continue to produce, ensure you’re harvesting regularly to encourage more fruiting. In case of vine weevil infestations, treat the affected pots with a solution of biological control nematodes for effective management. Lastly, protect delicate greenhouse plants from sun scorch by providing shade on particularly hot days.

Sustaining the health of houseplants is essential, especially as the warmer months approach. Feed them weekly with a liquid fertiliser to keep them nourished as they continue to grow throughout autumn. It’s important to increase your watering frequency as temperatures rise; always check the soil moisture before proceeding to water.

If your houseplants appear top-heavy or pot-bound, consider repotting them into larger containers to give their roots more room for growth. Additionally, be mindful of the summer sunshine; ensure your plants are not scorched by relocating them further from direct light or selecting those that can tolerate sunny conditions.

Plants like snake plants often gather dust on their leaves; regularly wipe these clean to maintain their health. When summer arrives, consider placing your houseplants outside in a warm, sheltered location to benefit from fresh air and extra light.

Taking leaf cuttings can be a rewarding method of propagation. Consider doing this with

We hope you find these tips helpful as we navigate this busy gardening season. Should you need any help with garden “pests” please feel free to visit our website

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