August sits at the turning point between winter and spring — a time to clear the last weeds, prepare the garden beds and make the most of the quiet moments before the growing season begins.
August is the month where winter begins to loosen its grip and the garden starts stirring back to life. Along the Brooker Highway the rows of Prunus x blireana are starting to bloom, leaves on deciduous fruit trees are unfurling and bees are tentatively venturing out on sunny days.
While there is still time to complete some important winter jobs, now is also the moment to prepare for the busy growing season ahead. As you go about pottering around in the garden, keep an eye out for common winter weeds such as chickweed, flickweed, shepherd’s purse, winter grass and capeweed. They may seem harmless now, each will quickly compete with vegetables, fruit trees and ornamentals for nutrients and moisture as spring approaches.
Veggie patch
The vegetable garden is starting to wake up, and August is the perfect time to sow the first crops of the spring and summer season.
Warm-season favourites such as tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant and basil can be started indoors or in a protected spot, ready for planting out once the risk of frost has passed. Starting seeds early gives plants a head start and means you’ll be ready to enjoy homegrown harvests as the weather warms.
Continue harvesting winter vegetables including kale, silverbeet, spinach and broccoli, while keeping an eye out for slugs and snails taking advantage of fresh new growth.
General maintenance
August is a great time to prepare garden beds before the spring growth surge. Top up mulch, add compost to tired soils, edge pathways and tidy borders while plants are still dormant and easier to work around.
It’s also the perfect time to clean, sharpen and organise your gardening tools. A little maintenance now means you’ll be ready when the garden demands more attention in the months ahead.
It’s your last chance to plant bare root fruit trees and berries, and deciduous ornamentals and roses. Check out our latest article on building soil health for fruit tree production.
For plants that have outgrown their position, late winter can still be a good time to transplant deciduous trees, shrubs and perennials. Prepare the new planting hole first, move the plant carefully and water in well with a seaweed tonic to encourage strong root development.
Protect and encourage early spring growth
As new shoots emerge, continue to protect frost-sensitive plants on cold nights. A seaweed tonic application can help support plant resilience during periods of temperature fluctuations and encourage healthy root growth as plants transition into spring.
There’s no need to tackle everything in a single weekend. Winter gardening rewards those who chip away at the little jobs. By the time spring arrives, you’ll spend less time catching up and more time enjoying the garden you’ve quietly prepared.
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What to plant now |
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Sow indoors |
Basil, Capsicum, Celery, Chilli, Eggplant, Tomato |
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Sow direct |
Broad beans, Peas, Carrots, Radishes, Spinach,Silverbeet |
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Plant |
Shallots, Onions, Broad beans, Peas, Asparagus |
