Don’t Give Up on Your Garden Yet

August is when a lot of gardeners mentally check out.

It’s hot. The weeds seem determined to win. A few plants have started looking tired, and watering containers may feel like a job that never ends.

But the gardening season isn’t over yet.

You don’t need to tear everything out or begin a major project. A few small updates can make the garden feel fresh again and help you enjoy all the color still ahead.

Freshen Up Your Containers

By August, some container plants may be stretched, thin or finished blooming. That doesn’t always mean the whole container needs to go.

Start by removing anything that is clearly done. Trim back overgrown plants, clear away damaged foliage and check whether the remaining plants still have room to grow.

A few fresh annuals can quickly fill an opening and bring back color. Look for plants that match the container’s sunlight and watering conditions rather than choosing by color alone.

You may be surprised by how much better the whole arrangement looks after replacing just one tired plant.

Keep Feeding Your Annuals

Annuals work hard all season, and many need regular feeding to continue producing flowers.

If your annuals are healthy but have slowed down, they may need another dose of fertilizer. Follow the directions on the product you use, since feeding schedules and strengths vary.

Continue watering thoroughly, especially during hot or windy weather. Containers dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground, so check the soil instead of assuming yesterday’s watering was enough.

Trim Back Tired Plants

Some plants simply need a little cleanup.

Remove faded flowers, yellow leaves and broken stems. Lightly trim plants that have become leggy or uneven, but avoid cutting everything back at once during extreme heat.

Deadheading can encourage many annuals and perennials to produce more flowers, while removing damaged growth helps the garden look neater immediately.



Not every faded flower needs to be removed, though. Seed heads can add texture, feed birds and provide fall or winter interest. Keep the ones you enjoy and clean up the plants that truly look worn out.