Summer Garden Success: July and August Essential Tasks
Rachael JonesKitchen Garden Jobs and Supporting Fruit Climbers and Trees
The vegetable garden in August is arguably the most rewarding month in the productive garden.
- Harvest crops frequently to encourage continued production; otherwise, vegetables become oversized and lose quality if left too long
- Keep on top of weeds before they set seed.
- Remove finished raspberry canes and tie in new growth. These replacement canes will produce next year's harvest
- Prune trained fruit trees to improve airflow and fruit ripening.
- Continue sowing small batches of salad crops for a steady supply.
Climbing vegetables such as beans, cucumbers and squashes should be guided onto strong frameworks as they grow heavier with fruit. Our Fruit & Veg supports will support year after year and can be moved about to fit the growing space.
Fruit & Veg Stepovers. Ideal for all fruit and veg climbers, and can be made at bespoke heights and lengths to suit raspberry and blackberry cages. Our standard supports come in different heights and lengths
Late summer growth often needs additional support. Fruit Bough V-Stakes are essential tools to support fruit-laden branches, support later developing crops and tree growth.
Supporting Plants For Late-Summer Displays
As borders reach their peak, reliable plant supports become increasingly important. Our favourite options include:
Peony & Herbaceous Supports Perfect for peonies, delphiniums, lupins, alliums and many other border favourites, adding both strength and architectural interest.
Tall and Small Lobster Pots These elegant lobster pots are the perfect support for shrub roses, small clematis and herbaceous perennials clumps such as 'Baptesia australis'
Semi-Circular and Border Supports Strong, dependable and perfect for keeping the most determined herbaceous plants in check, keeping borders neat and defined. Bring practical structure with a decorative twist to your borders. Ideal for edging paths, guiding fruit and veg, or preventing plants from spilling forward.
Round and Gothic Style edging hoops
Semi-Circular supports available in 8mm and 12mm
Stakes Collection 12mm chunky or 8mm slimline, multi-ball stakes, and wraparound stakes. Every stake has a job to do. I use the shortest (90cms) to mark perennials, particularly those like agapanthus that die down in winter, or where I have planted clumps of bulbs. Taller stakes (from 120cm to 200 cm) are used singly or in groups of 3 or 5 to support individual flower heads (delphiniums) or clumps (phlox or dahlias). Remember to hammer the stakes in well – at least 20-30cm so that they are stable enough to support the plant. I love our stakes with their ball tops – they look good by themselves and the balls were originally added as a security measure. They really are the most useful basic plant support there is. They range in height from 90cm to 200cm so there is a stake for every situation – remember to allow for 15-20cm in the ground to give good support. I remember many years ago hearing on ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ that the only way to be sure of holding up really large inflorescences - sunflowers, lupins or delphiniums - was to stake each head individually. Stakes can also be hidden discretely among herbaceous clumps with string wound between them to stop one level of plants from falling forwards onto the next; a set of 5 stakes placed round large dahlias or other large clumps with string laced through the clump will support the plants well; I use them to support the stems of young trees, such as apples, when they are first planted; almost anything is happy to be staked. Perfect also for a little perch for our feathered friends.
A well supported Agapanthus using a 12mm stake
Young tree establishment aided by a robust 12mm support stake
Borders aided by a robust 12mm support stake
Slimline 8mm Stakes 
Gardening for Wildlife 🐝
Wildlife remains active throughout July and August and benefits greatly from a little extra care. If you have wildflower areas, late summer is the ideal time to cut and clear established meadows once flowers have finished seeding.
- Keep bird baths topped up and clean.
- Provide shallow fresh water for hedgehogs and other visitors.
- Leave some seedheads standing for birds and beneficial insects.
- Maintain ponds by removing excessive vegetation and debris.
- Continue managing compost heaps to encourage healthy decomposition.
Outdoor Living
Make the most of every moment outdoors. Discover our collection of beautifully handcrafted Garden Furniture, Fire bowls & Log Stores.
The Fire Collection | Kyeburn Designs
Enjoy the Season While thoughts may gradually turn towards autumn, August remains one of the most rewarding months in the gardening calendar. Take time to enjoy your borders, harvest homegrown produce, and visit other gardens for inspiration. Whether you're creating a peaceful retreat, a space for entertaining, or a haven for everyday relaxation, make the most of those warm summer evenings while they last.