Now is the crucial time: Do three important tasks for a lush garden in August

The current moment is crucial for gardeners looking to maintain their summer gardens through September and prepare them for the coming winter. Seasoned gardeners know that this time marks the beginning of essential tasks that ensure both aesthetic appeal and long-term health of the garden. Claire Vennis, a respected expert from the BBC's Gardeners' World podcast, has outlined three key actions that can significantly benefit gardeners who wish to maximize their efforts with minimal effort. First among these is the thorough tidying of flower beds to achieve immediate visual impact. Often overlooked amidst the vibrant summer growth, the edges of flower beds and individual plants can appear tired and neglected by late August. Vennis recommends stepping back and taking a comprehensive look at the overall appearance. She advises cutting back faded flowers and removing all damaged or yellowing leaves. This simple process, known as “deadheading,” serves dual purposes. It enhances the garden’s appearance instantly while preventing the spread of diseases associated with decaying plant parts. Equally important is the removal of old flowers, which encourages the plant to redirect its energy towards producing new buds, extending the flowering period well into late summer. While you're there, pay attention to weeds. Vennis emphasizes that quick weeding now will save you considerable trouble later. Weeds cleverly hide among lush summer foliage, competing for water and nutrients. For a polished finish, she suggests trimming the lawn edges to create sharp, defined borders. This subtle detail can make a remarkable difference, giving the garden a fresh look until the end of the month. Second, Vennis highlights the importance of propagating plants using cuttings, particularly focusing on sage (salvia), a versatile and rewarding herb. This method, she calls a “wonderful little insurance policy” in case the parent plants fail over winter. Although many varieties of sage are hardy, harsh winters can still damage them. Taking cuttings in late August offers the most reliable and easiest way to ensure their survival for the following season, completely free of charge. The best time to collect cuttings is early morning when the plants are fresh and dewy, according to the Mirror. Vennis explains that simply cut off healthy, non-flowering stems just above a leaf node. It's vital to select stems that haven’t yet developed flower buds, as they will focus their energy on root development rather than blooming. Immediately place the cuttings in a plastic bag lightly sprinkled with water to prevent wilting. When ready to plant, remove the lower leaves, leaving four near the top, and trim the base just below a node. Prepare a small container or pot with sandy compost, create holes with a stick, and carefully insert the cuttings ensuring the leaves do not touch. Finally, cover the container with a clear lid or plastic bag to create a humid environment that promotes rooting. Third, Vennis points out that although spring seems far away, the perfect time to start planting for the upcoming harvest is now. She stresses that late summer is the ideal time to sow autumn cabbage. Planning ahead is key to a successful vegetable patch, and planting cabbage in late summer allows the plants to establish themselves and strengthen before winter arrives, leading to an earlier harvest.