What To Do in the Garden This July & August: A UK Gardener’s Guide
Summer is in full swing, and your garden is at its peak of colour, life, and activity. But don’t just sit back and admire it — July and August are important months to keep your outdoor space looking its best. Here are some key tasks you should be doing in the garden and grounds over the height of the UK summer.
1. Keep On Top of Watering
With longer, hotter days and less frequent rain, your plants, lawns, and pots will need regular watering.
- Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
- Prioritise newly planted trees, shrubs, and containers as they dry out fastest.
- Consider installing a water butt or drip irrigation system to save water.
2. Deadhead and Prune for Prolonged Blooms
Deadheading (removing faded flowers) encourages many plants to produce more blooms instead of setting seed.
- Focus on roses, bedding plants, dahlias, and perennials.
- Lightly prune shrubs that have finished flowering, such as philadelphus or weigela.
- Trim lavender after flowering to keep it neat and healthy.
3. Lawn Care in Summer
Lawns can struggle in dry weather, but a little care goes a long way:
- Raise the mower blades slightly — longer grass retains moisture better.
- Water deeply once or twice a week rather than little and often.
- Remove weeds and moss if needed, and repair bare patches.
4. Weed and Mulch
Weeds grow quickly in summer warmth, so keep on top of them:
- Regular hoeing or hand-weeding stops them from setting seed.
- Mulching flower beds helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
5. Harvest Your Crops
If you grow fruit or veg, this is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labour:
- Pick tomatoes, beans, courgettes, cucumbers, and salads regularly to encourage more growth.
- Harvest soft fruits like raspberries, blackberries, and currants when ripe.
- Thin out apples and pears if the branches are overloaded.
6. Plan Ahead
While you’re enjoying your garden, it’s also a good time to plan for the months ahead:
- Sow biennials like foxgloves, wallflowers, and sweet Williams for next year.
- Order spring bulbs towards the end of August.
- Think about any landscaping or planting projects you’d like done before autumn.
Need a Hand?
If you’d rather spend more time enjoying your garden than working in it, we can help. Whether it’s regular maintenance, lawn care, or a full tidy-up, our team is here to keep your garden and grounds looking their best — all summer long.
Contact us today to book your summer garden service.