Garden Tasks for August
August in Melbourne signals the last month of winter, with signs of spring beginning to emerge. While frost and cold temperatures still persist, this is an exciting time as the garden starts preparing for the warmer months ahead:
General Maintenance
Continue monitoring drainage systems to handle late winter rains.
Start cleaning and preparing garden beds for spring planting.
Remove any remaining winter debris and dead plant material.
Check and repair garden structures, trellises, and supports before spring growth begins.
Planting
Last chance to plant bare-rooted trees and shrubs before spring.
Start sowing early spring vegetables in protected areas or indoors.
Plant asparagus crowns and jerusalem artichokes.
Begin preparations for tomato seedlings indoors.
Pruning and Maintenance
Complete final winter pruning of deciduous trees and shrubs.
Prune late-flowering climbers before new growth begins.
Cut back hydrangeas and other late-summer flowering shrubs.
Apply lime to soil where needed, especially for spring vegetables.
Lawn Care
Begin preparing lawns for spring growth with light raking to remove thatch.
Plan for early spring fertilising and seeding of bare patches.
Continue to avoid mowing wet or frozen grass.
Pest Management
Check for early signs of pest activity as temperatures begin to warm.
Apply preventative treatments for spring pests before they become active.
Use of copper spray on stone fruit susceptible to leaf curl.
Monitor for signs of fungal diseases in damp areas.
Greenhouse and Indoor Activities
Start seeds for spring vegetables and summer flowers.
Clean and organise greenhouse space for spring seedlings.
Begin gradually acclimatising overwintered plants to outdoor conditions.
Planning Ahead
Finalise spring planting plans and garden bed layouts.
Prepare garden tools and equipment for the busy spring season.
Stock up on necessary supplies like potting mix and fertilisers.
August is a month of anticipation in Melbourne gardens. While winter's grip begins to loosen, it's the perfect time to complete final winter tasks and begin preparations for the upcoming spring season. Use any mild days to get ahead on garden preparations, but remember to be patient as true spring weather is still a few weeks away.