Hello, green-thumbed friends! Welcome to August, a month where our gardens are at their most vibrant and bountiful. At Hilltop Garden Centre, we’ve been a part of your gardening journey for over 75 years, with our quality plants and friendly customer service. Today, we’re sharing our top tips and advice for August to help you keep your garden blooming beautifully. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips will help you make the most of your outdoor space this month.
Plant English Lavender this month
This August, our plant of the month is the stunning English Lavender, and it's easy to see why. Known for its drought tolerance and intensely fragrant flowers and foliage, English Lavender is a fantastic addition to any garden. Not only will Lavender attract bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden, it’s also rabbit and deer resistant, making it a hardy and low-maintenance option.
Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It’s perfect for borders, rock gardens, or as a fragrant edging along paths. Here's how to plant it:
- Plant your lavender in well-drained soil in a spot that has plenty of sunlight.
- Dig a hole deep enough for the roots, place the plant, and backfill with Hilltop’s Rocket Gro Peat-Free Tree & Shrub Compost to give your lavender the best start.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart.
- Water well initially, then weekly.
- Enjoy its fragrance and bee-attracting blooms!
Feed your plants
August can be one of the hottest months of the year, which means your plants need extra care and attention. One of the most important tasks (apart from watering) is feeding your plants regularly. During hot weather, plants can become stressed and need a nutrient boost to stay healthy and productive. We recommend using a liquid feed such as Miracle Gro All Purpose Liquid Feed or Tomorite Liquid Feed which are both excellent quality feeds that plants love. Both are available at Hilltop, currently with 20% extra free in every bottle!
How to feed: Follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results. Regular feeding will ensure your plants get the nutrients they need to thrive during the hottest part of the year.
Grow your own in time for Christmas!
National Allotments Week runs from 12th-18th August and is a great time to celebrate the joys of growing your own fruit and vegetables. An allotment is a great way to have access to fresh, home-grown produce. Allotments provide plenty of space for cultivation and can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health: gardening on an allotment can reduce stress, provide a sense of community, and give you access to healthy, organic vegetables.
If you don’t have an allotment or aren't physically able to run one, you can still grow your own veggies in your garden, or even on a patio or balcony. In fact, if you start planting potatoes now, you can enjoy eating new potatoes at Christmas! Hilltop has a fresh stock of seed potatoes in different varieties and we also stock potato growing bags for £3.99, which are perfect for small spaces. Growing potatoes in a grow bag is easy and space-efficient, and here's how to do it:
- Start by filling the bag with 6 inches of Hilltop’s Rocket Gro organic Fruit & Veg compost for the best results.
- Place three seed potatoes on top, then cover with another 6 inches of compost.
- As the plants grow, continue adding compost until the bag is full.
- Water regularly and ensure good drainage.
- Harvest your potatoes after the plants flower and the foliage dies back.
- Plant now and enjoy fresh, home-grown potatoes by Christmas!
Rocket Gro Organic Fruit & Veg compost is available at Hilltop for £6.99 a bag or 2 for £13.
How to look after your garden when you're on holiday
Many of you are gearing up for a well-deserved summer holiday. But before you pack your bags, let's make sure your garden is prepped and primed to thrive while you're away. Here are our top tips to keep your plants happy and healthy so you can jet off with peace of mind, knowing your garden will be in tip-top shape when you return:
- First, give your garden a thorough watering before you leave, soaking the soil deeply to keep it moist for longer.
- Mulching is your best friend – a good layer of mulch around your plants will help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
- For container plants, consider grouping them together in a shady spot. This not only makes it easier for your plant-sitter (if you have one) but also reduces evaporation. If you don't have someone to water your plants, self-watering systems and drip irrigation kits are fantastic investments. You can find these in-store at Hilltop Garden Centre Essex.
Deadheading flowers and pruning back any leggy growth will also help your plants conserve energy and stay looking tidy. Finally, move any delicate or potted plants out of direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out.
Other jobs to do in August
Here are some key jobs to do to keep your garden looking its best:
Deadheading and pruning: Remove spent flowers from perennials to encourage a second flush of blooms. Prune summer-flowering shrubs after they finish flowering.
Weeding: Keep on top of weeds, which can compete with your plants for water and nutrients. Regular weeding will keep your garden looking neat and tidy.
Watering: Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening and use a mulch to reduce evaporation. Focus on the roots, not the leaves, to ensure the water gets where it’s needed most: tap water contains chlorine which will burn the leaves of your plants. Use collected rainwater if you have a water butt, or water after the sun goes down in the evening.
Harvesting: August is peak harvesting time for many fruits and vegetables. Keep picking to encourage more production and enjoy the fruits of all your hard work!
We'd love to see your garden in bloom!
Send us a photo or video of your garden in bloom and we'll share it on our Facebook page for everyone to enjoy. You can message us on Facebook with your photo, or look out for our post and leave a comment with your photo. Brownie points if the plants are from Hilltop!
Take time to enjoy your garden
Finally, take some time to enjoy your garden. Host a garden party, have a picnic, or simply relax with a good book in the shade. Your garden is not just a place of work; it’s a place of joy and relaxation.
At Hilltop Garden Centre, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need advice, plants, or gardening supplies, we’ve got you covered. Visit us just outside Clacton for all your gardening needs and enjoy a cup of tea in our lovely restaurant café.
By incorporating these tips and advice into your gardening routine, you’ll benefit from a thriving, beautiful garden throughout August and beyond. Remember to visit Hilltop Garden Centre for all your gardening supplies, including weeding tools, gloves, secateurs, and watering cans, along with expert advice from our team. We look forward to seeing you soon - thank you for being a part of the Hilltop family. Happy gardening!
