August Is the Time to Prepare Gardens for Fall Planting

By Blake Jackson

As August marks the final month of summer, gardeners should continue caring for existing plants while preparing their landscapes for the upcoming fall season.

According to Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist with the UW-Madison Division of Extension, this is an ideal time to balance routine maintenance with planning future lawn and garden projects.

Vegetable gardens require consistent attention throughout August to remain productive. During dry periods, regular watering is essential, especially while crops are developing and ripening.

Gardeners should harvest vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini frequently to encourage continued production. Removing overripe or decaying produce is equally important, as it helps reduce the risk of attracting picnic beetles. Controlling weeds before they produce seeds will also help minimize weed problems in future growing seasons.

Annual flowers growing in containers and hanging baskets can benefit from a midseason refresh. Deadheading spent flowers, trimming back leggy stems, and applying a balanced water-soluble fertilizer during watering can promote healthy growth and encourage more blooms through late summer and into early fall.

For trees and shrubs, August is generally a maintenance-only month. Major pruning and fertilization should be postponed until October or spring because these practices may trigger new growth that could be damaged by winter temperatures before it fully matures.

Gardeners planning to seed lawns or install new landscape beds in early fall should begin preparing planting areas now. Existing weeds, particularly perennial varieties, should be removed completely, including their roots and underground runners.

A nonselective herbicide may also be used on actively growing weeds, provided it is applied at least two to three weeks before soil preparation. Always follow product label instructions carefully and avoid contact with desirable plants.

August is also an excellent time to improve garden soil. Conducting a soil test before planting provides valuable information about pH levels and nutrient availability, including phosphorus and potassium.

With accurate test results, gardeners can make informed decisions about soil amendments, creating healthier growing conditions for future lawns, gardens, and landscape plantings.

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