To Do List - August

• We all know that this month is a real challenge in the garden. The sun and searing heat bakes our lawns, borders, terraces - and us too.
• The biggest problem is monitoring the correct watering for your garden. Make sure irrigation systems are set for late evening to allow adequate time for moisture to reach the hosts roots before the sunrises again. In some cases a watering cycle will have to run again early morning, especially if you have many zones or you need your cisternas or water tanks to replenish. Expect higher electric bills as often pumps are running around the clock.
• Trim and fertilise your containers and hanging baskets, and keep dead-heading. They still have time for another show. I left my petunias for four days without dead- heading and nearly lost them. They need daily attention!
• Deal with late-season pests; such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, with a spray of water from the hose. But only at night to prevent scorching.
• Treat diseased plants, and remove diseased foliage before leaves drop. Be vigilant. Look for sticky foliage and signs of leaves being nibbled.
• Look for cigar inward curling leaves, as in picture below. This is a classic sign of dehydration. Your plant needs water urgently, otherwise leaves will turn more yellow and start to drop.
• Propagate plants by collecting seeds, taking cuttings, or layering.
• Prune back vigorous climbers such as wisteria, and train them around trellises while the growth is soft.
• We keep saying it (and will continue!), apply mulch to baked soils. It’s a no brainer for retaining essential moisture for the roots of your plants. So essential.
• When the temperature is over 30 degrees, avoid chemical applications such as fertiliser, fungicide, or insecticides. They can harm plants more than help them. Only apply at cooler times unless essential.
• Do not allow fruit to fall and rot underneath. This is an ideal haven for bacterial and fungal diseases to activate.
• Lettuce will start to bolt in this weather so plant new crops in the shade.
• Any crops that are in flower, or have fruit or pods on them, must be watered well.
• The side.shoots on tomatoes should be pinched out regularly and the leading shoots tied to the supports.
• A high potash tomato fertiliser feed should be applied weekly, and don’t let the plants go short of water.
• The tips of cucumber side shoots should be pinched out just two leaves beyond any fruit that may be developing.
• If any old fruit is left on the plants this will affect further flowering, so remember to pick cucumbers on a regular basis.