August Garden Guide

August is here, and what better way to embrace the last stretch of winter than in the garden! If it’s grey and rainy where you are, your indoor garden might be getting most of your attention. On the other hand, if you are already catching hints of spring, it’s the perfect time to shift into gear with a spring planting mindset.

Here’s your August Garden Guide! 

Grow Something Real 

Our summer bulb preorder has launched, and one of the most exciting parts is the arrival of new Hippeastrum (commonly called ‘amaryllis’) varieties! From the bulbs we’re known for, to edible options like turmeric and ginger, and indigenous favourites like Eucomis and gladiolus, there’s a wide variety to choose from.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, and no matter the size of your space, you can cultivate abundant beauty with bulbs this spring and summer.

It all starts here.

Enjoy Your Winter Blooms

If your potted hyacinths are in bloom, bring them indoors to fill your home with their beautiful scent and colour. The same goes for any other small potted bulbs - unless, of course, you prefer enjoying them outdoors.

Planning to cut flowers for the vase? Use Chrysal flower food (or a similar product) to help your blooms last longer and keep the water clear.

Just remember to snip with care and leave the leaves in place, so that your bulbs can continue their growth cycle after flowering!

Plant These Bulbs Now

In between enjoying the winter blooms, keep your hands warm by planting these beautiful bulbs!

• Asparagus

• Bearded iris

• Canna

• Crinum

• Hemerocallis (daylily)

• Lilium 

• Potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Once you receive your summer bulbs you can start planting once the last frost has passed. Our deliveries for summer bulbs commence from mid-August (dahlia excluded). Dahlia deliveries begin from early October.

Add a Touch of Whimsy with Winter Annuals

Top up on colourful annuals to bring joy to your space through the last stretch of winter and into spring! Head to your local garden centre or nursery and look out for violas, pansies, sweet alyssum, and more to add cheerful colour and life to your garden.

Grow These Herbs

• Basil

• Chives

• Coriander

• Oregano

• Parsley

• Rosemary

• Thyme

You can sow them from seed, or purchase them pre-potted or in seedling trays!

Grow These Vegetables 

Across all provinces:

• Leafy greens:
  
  

  • Spinach
    
    

  • Kale
    
    

  • Lettuce
    
    

• Root vegetables:
  
  

  • Carrots
    
    

  • Beetroot
    
    

For warmer provinces (e.g., KwaZulu-Natal):

• Peppers
  
  

• Tomatoes
  
  

• Beans
  
  

For cooler regions (e.g., Western Cape):

• Broccoli
  
  

• Cabbage
  
  

• Cauliflower
  
  

Ways to Give Back to Your Garden

Mulch with compost! This provides your plants with nutritional support as well as helps with frost protection and retaining moisture.

Plant trees, shrubs, and flowers that attract pollinators! If the winter season has left you with some gaps in your garden or you’re just the type of gardener whose garden is always in transition and loves to welcome new plants, focus on ones that our precious pollinators love.

Feed your bulbs, after flowering! This is especially important if you want your bulbs to bloom season after season. The key is nutrition. So nourish your bulbs for them to flourish.

Your garden is its own unique ecosystem, and one solution doesn’t fit all. The more you learn about your space, the better you can give it what it needs to help your flowers and plants thrive. Remember, you don’t change the flower – you change its environment. If something isn’t working, adjust it. The best way to give back to your garden is to pay attention to what it needs. Want to attract more birds or butterflies? Plant varieties that will draw them in, or add insect hotels, bird feeders, and water baths. If your soil lacks acidity and you’re growing acid-loving plants, consider amending the soil or choosing plants better suited to your conditions.

Your soil is yours to enrich with plants that delight pollinators and nourish you, body and soul. So ask yourself: What can I give to my garden to support it better?

Prepare for Spring Planting

Start getting your beds ready or gather the pots you plan to plant in, whether terracotta, ceramic, or re-used plastic containers.

The time to plant out (most) summer bulbs is near! Clever combinations of plants and colours will give your summer season a sensational splash of blooms! We can hardly wait!

Indoor Plant Care

If your indoor plants need re-potting, now’s the time! Start with a base layer of clay pellets, broken terracotta, or similar to improve drainage. Add fresh potting soil and gently tuck in your plant or cutting, adding more soil to ensure it’s snug. For a finishing touch, top with a decorative layer of moss, stones, or clay pellets, and give your plant a good drink of water.

If re-potting isn’t needed, you can still refresh your plants for spring by topping up the soil or adding a fresh layer of moss, stones, or clay pellets to spruce them up.

Don’t forget to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and give them a cheeky spritz of Pokon Leafshine for a healthy glow.

As the days grow longer and warmer, it’s time to increase your watering. With the rise in temperature, you can also start feeding your plants again. A feed every two weeks is a good rule of thumb to help keep them happy and thriving.

Are you feeling ready and inspired for August? We hope so! Get growing with our August Garden Guide, and let us know how your garden is coming along. We love hearing your green tales!

Happy gardening!