August Planting & Garden Guide
August is a transitional month in southeast Queensland. Winter is starting to ease, the days are getting longer, and soil temperatures are starting to rise. This means it’s the perfect time to get a head start on your spring planting. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned green thumb, here’s your guide to what you can plant this month, how to keep your garden thriving through winter and other garden related tasks to get done this month.
Vegetables to Plant
Tomatoes
August is an ideal time for starting tomatoes as frosts are almost over in most parts of SEQ. Make sure to plant in full sun with well-draining soil. Stake them early to support growth. Water at the base to avoid leaf disease and feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser as flowers appear.
Capsicum
Capsicum love warming weather and they will thrive when spring arrives. Choose a sunny, sheltered spot to plant. Mulch them in to keep the roots warm and pick regularly to encourage continuous fruiting.
Sweet Corn
Sweet Corn will grow rapidly as it loves warmth. Plant in blocks instead of rows, for better pollination. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist and use liquid feed every 2 weeks.
Zucchini
Warming soil is perfect for zucchini and they will reward you with fast harvests. You will need to give them space to sprawl in a full sun area. Water deeply but avoid wetting leaves to prevent mildew.
Fruits to Plant
Strawberries
August is the tail end of the planting season, but you can still establish runners for spring fruiting. Plant them in full sun and enrich the soil with compost. Remove runners to encourage fruit production. You may also have to protect them from birds with netting.
Passionfruit
Planting passionfruit now gives vines time the establish before summer growth. You will need to provide a sturdy trellis or fence for climbing. Water regularly and mulch well to keep the roots cool. You can also apply liquid seaweed for strong vine health.
Herbs to Plant
Mint
This herb will thrive in moist soil as the weather warms. Grow it in pots, so that it doesn’t spread. Also keep soil damp and harvest often to prevent it from going woody.
Basil
Basil loves heat, so starting it in late winter gives a head start for summer pesto! Plant in full sun in fertile soil or pots. Pinch out tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Garden Care Tips for August
- If you have your own compost pile, make sure to turn it over to incorporate all the leaves added in autumn.
- Feed your natives as they finish blooming with a specific native fertiliser.
- Pinch back the growing tips of spring-blooming annuals to encourage bushier plants.
- Mulch your garden beds. It helps to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Feed your soil – use compost or worm castings to enrich the soil before planting.
- Water less frequently, but deeply. Do it in the mornings to reduce disease risk, as cooler weather means less evaporation.
Handy Products for Your Garden
Based on the above information, here’s a round-up of just a few products to get your garden thriving. We recommend using the specifically designed UltraGrow range of soils, bio stimulants and fertilisers. The liquid ranges are perfect for foliar spraying.
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Buy Fertilisers OnlinePower-Maxx Gardens
Price range: $15.00 through $220.00 / ea Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Don’t forget to tag us (@centenarylandsc) in your photos /videos of your growing journey – we’d love to see how your project goes!