In most locations, August is a tough time of year for home gardens. The sun is blazing, the heat is unrelenting, and the humidity is thick, which aren’t the most comfortable growing conditions for plants—or working conditions for gardeners. But because droughts and heatwaves are common during this late-summer month, your sun-loving flowers, herbs, and vegetables need a little extra love and attention. “The garden needs us more in August than almost any other time of year, because the plants are stressed by the heat, pests, and too little rain,” says Krista Lynn Quinn, county extension agent for agriculture with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
While you might be tempted to hole up in your air-conditioned house until the thermostat dies down, there’s one gardening task that all home gardeners need to tackle in August. This high-priority job might seem straightforward, but there’s a right way to go about it. By steadily and properly executing this crucial gardening chore, you’ll enjoy a lush, green garden during the dog days of summer and well into fall. So, grab your gardening toolkit, and let’s dig into this essential August gardening task.
The One Gardening Task to Do in August
According to Quinn, the most important August gardening task is deep, consistent watering. Because end-of-summer gardening is all about helping plants survive, not forcing them to grow big and strong, preservation is the name of the game. “We don't really need to be planting anything new or doing any heavy pruning that would stress our plants more,” Quinn notes. “We just want to keep things alive until the weather cools and we start getting rain again.”
While hydration is the key to keeping your late-summer garden functioning, this chore has longterm benefits, too. When you give your plants steady moisture all month long, especially during dry spells, you’ll notice a difference in the health, longevity, and appearance of your fall garden. “If we can keep our plants alive through the heat and drought of late summer with irrigation, they will often perk up again in the fall, and depending on the varieties, they may even surprise us with some fall flowers or fruit,” Quinn explains.
Tips for Watering Your August Garden
You might assume filling up a watering can and pouring it over your plants is all you need to give your August garden the moisture it needs, but improper, inconsistent, and shallow watering can lead to a bevy of issues, such as rotted roots, drooping leaves, and mushy stems. For the best results, follow these expert watering tips:
Pay Attention to Timing
Watering early in the morning—before 10 a.m.—is the best time to hydrate your August garden. That way, your plants will be able to lap up the water before the heat hits, which reduces the likelihood of evaporation. Plus, you’ll give your plants enough time to dry, which can prevent fungal diseases.
Inspect the Soil First
Instead of relying on a rigid hydration schedule, let the soil determine your watering frequency. When the top inch or two of soil is dry to the touch, take it as a green light to quench your plants’ thirst. If the outermost layer is still moist, postpone watering to prevent root rot, discolored leaves, and stunted growth.
Focus on Deep Watering
“It’s best to irrigate infrequently but deeply,” Quinn says. Instead of giving your plants a little hydration on a regular basis, deep watering entails slowly and thoroughly soaking the soil less often, so the moisture penetrates deeply into the roots.
Aim for the Roots
Since spraying the leaves (especially for summer vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and squash) invites mold and mildew to fester, be sure to water the base of the plant. Aiming for the bottom will also help the roots soak up the moisture more effectively and efficiently.
Use the Right Vessel
The right watering tool can make all the difference. “Lawn sprinklers may not water deep enough to keep young trees alive,” Quinn points out. A watering wand, soaker hose, or drip irrigation releases water slowly and directly, which will minimize fungal diseases and ensure more precise watering.
Watch the Weather
In intense August heat, your plants might need even more moisture than usual, so be sure to check the soil frequently during heatwaves and dry spells. “You may need to water two or even three times a week when it's extremely hot and dry,” Quinn says.
Give Containers Extra Attention
Because potting soil dries out much faster than in-ground soil, especially in the August heat, your summer container garden might need daily moisture. During heatwaves, you may even need to water your pots twice a day. Again, examine the soil!
Nurture New Plantings
Although established plants can withstand droughts, young seedlings are especially vulnerable during dry spells. If you’ve planted anything new this season, be sure to offer it more consistent moisture to help it survive periods of dry, hot weather.
When your prioritize hydration and follow these watering tips, you’ll give your August garden a buffer against extreme heat while preparing it for the fall season ahead.
Lilly Blomquist is the associate editor at The Pioneer Woman, where she writes lifestyle stories across a wide range of topics—including news, entertainment, holidays, food, and more.
