August in the Garden Tasks for Winter

August in the Garden

Tasks for Winter

July saw highs of 9–15 °C and chilly lows around –2 °C. A typical Late Winter mix of frosty mornings and milder afternoons. Expect similar patterns in August—cool starts, warming gradually. As Winter gives way to early Spring, it’s time to wrap up Winter tasks and prepare for new growth.

Preparation and Planning

  • Check seed and fertiliser supplies—replace anything old or low.
  • Dig over garden beds and work in compost as soil conditions allow.
  • Clear out old crops like carrots and brassicas.
  • Tidy seed trays and greenhouse benches—clean to avoid disease.

Lawns

  • Service your mower and sharpen blades.
  • First mow: cut high and catch clippings.
  • Rake out thatch and aerate.
  • Patch bare spots from late August.
  • Apply lawn fertiliser once growth starts.

Fruit and Vegetable Garden

  • Finish pruning fruit trees and spray with copper/conquer oil.
  • Plant fruit trees and berries.
  • Sow hardy crops: brassicas, lettuce, spinach, carrots, onions.
  • Stake broad beans and weed garlic/onion beds.
  • Sow tomatoes and capsicum indoors with bottom heat.

Flower Garden

  • Weed and water Spring bulbs.
  • Prune shrubs and roses; fertilise and treat for pests.
  • Plant gladioli from late August.
  • Deadhead early annuals (e.g. pansies).
  • Divide and tidy perennials.
  • Prune hydrangeas and treat for scale.

Greenhouse and Extras

  • Clear Winter veg beds and compost waste.
  • Sow green manure crops to enrich soil.
  • Start early trays of peas, salad greens, and spring onions.
  • By focusing on soil, structure, and cleanup tasks now, you'll be primed for an efficient and abundant spring planting season. Addressing Winter pests and diseases early reduces future issues—and ensures your garden is ready when conditions warm up.

Monthly Tips & Tasks from Julian Odering

Thanks to Julian Odering of Oderings Garden Centres for his seasonal insights last month at Garden Life. Julian returns this month to present Tips & Tasks (Garden Life is on the 5th & 6th of August), so bring along your gnarly questions — Julian is here to help.

Remember: questions can be posted on HortTalk our online facebook group