Gardening Jobs to Do in August – South Hams & South Devon Guide

August in the South Hams is a beautiful time of year – long sunny days, warm evenings, and gardens bursting with colour. But while it’s tempting to sit back and relax, there’s plenty to keep on top of if you want your garden looking its best.

Whether you’re in Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Ivybridge, Plymouth or anywhere in between, here’s our expert guide to the key gardening jobs for August in South Devon.

1. Keep Plants Hydrated

With warm weather and occasional dry spells, watering is a priority.

   •   Focus on: newly planted trees, shrubs, vegetable plots, pots, and hanging baskets.

   •   Water early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.

   •   Add a layer of mulch to help lock in moisture and keep roots cool.

💡 Tip from our South Hams garden care team: A soaker hose can save time and ensure deep watering.

2. Deadhead to Keep Flowers Blooming

August is peak flower season in South Devon, and deadheading is key to keeping those displays going.

   •   Roses, dahlias, sweet peas, and cosmos all benefit from regular deadheading.

   •   Use sharp, clean secateurs to avoid spreading disease.

3. Harvest Summer Crops

Local gardens and allotments are overflowing this month. Pick produce regularly to keep plants productive.

   •   Tomatoes, courgettes, cucumbers, runner beans, and French beans.

   •   Soft fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries.

   •   Early apples and pears.

💡 If you’ve got more than you can use, share with neighbours or preserve for winter.

4. Tidy and Trim Hedges

Hedges in the South Hams grow fast in summer. August is a great month to give them a tidy shape.

   •   Most birds have finished nesting now, so it’s safe to trim.

   •   Shape hedges so they’re slightly narrower at the top for even light.

5. Plan and Plant for Autumn

Late summer is the perfect time to start preparing for the next season.

   •   Sow biennials such as foxgloves and wallflowers for next year.

   •   Plant autumn-flowering bulbs like colchicums and cyclamen.

   •   Order spring bulbs now for planting in September and October.

6. Lawn Maintenance

Lawns in South Devon can get dry and stressed in August.

   •   Raise your mower height to protect the grass in hot weather.

   •   Water deeply in the evenings during prolonged dry spells.

   •   Remove any thatch build-up to help the lawn breathe.

7. Watch for Pests and Diseases

Warm, humid conditions can bring garden pests and problems.

   •   Keep an eye out for aphids on roses and veg.

   •   Look for caterpillars on cabbages and brassicas.

   •   Watch for mildew on courgettes and squashes.

Enjoy Your Garden

August is the month to enjoy the beauty you’ve worked for all year. Whether it’s an evening BBQ in Kingsbridge, a quiet morning in your Thurlstone garden, or a weekend of allotment harvesting in Ivybridge, a little regular maintenance now will keep everything looking fantastic well into autumn.

If you need help with lawn care, hedge trimming, flower border maintenance, or general garden upkeep in the South Hams, our friendly, reliable gardening service is here to help.

Contact us today to keep your garden thriving this summer.