As winter slowly begins to fade in the Waikato region, August is the perfect time to prepare your garden for a vibrant and productive spring. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, the actions you take now will make all the difference in the coming months.

In this article, discover simple tasks to focus on this month, plus how our personalized garden design services can help bring your vision to life.

What to Do in the Garden in August to Prepare for Spring

1. Start Seeds Indoors or in a Greenhouse

Now’s the time to sow tomatoes, basil, peppers, cosmos, and sunflowers. Starting seeds under cover gives your plants a head start for a strong spring.

2. Plant Late Spring Bulbs

Dahlias, lilies, gladiolus, these bulbs can still be planted in August as long as the soil is well-drained. They’ll brighten your garden in late spring.

3. Divide and Replant Strawberries and Perennial Herbs

If your strawberry patch or herbs are getting crowded, now’s a great time to divide and replant them to encourage healthy growth.

4. Prepare Garden Beds

Clear weeds, loosen the soil, and enrich it with compost or well-rotted manure. Well-prepared soil is key to spring success.

5. Clean Tools, Pots, and Supports

Use this quieter time to clean, repair, and organize your gardening tools and materials. A tidy workspace is a productive workspace.

Plan Your Spring Garden with Our Landscape Designer

Planting at random rarely gives the best results. For a garden that is beautiful, productive, and perfectly suited to your space, planning is essential.

That’s why we now offer a personalized garden design service with our in-house landscape designer. Together, we create a plan tailored to:

• Your garden’s sunlight and shade exposure

• Your soil type (clay, sandy, well-drained, etc.)

• Your style preferences and desired maintenance level

• The best arrangement of plants to thrive in your conditions

With this customized plan, you’ll maximize your garden’s potential while saving time and resources.

Join Our FREE Workshop: “Design Your Spring Garden”

To help you get started, we’re hosting a Planting Plans workshop in August, in Morrinsville.

What to expect:

• Understanding your space : orientation, shade, sun and soil type

• Tips for garden maintenance

• Selecting and choosing the right plants : Adapted to your soil and exposure

• Designing your garden plan : organizing, delineating and preparing for successful planting.

⚠️ Spots are limited , be sure to register early! CONTACT US.

Recommended Plants for the Waikato Spring Garden

Here are some of our top plant picks for a successful spring garden in the region:

• Calendula

• Sweet peas

• Lavender

• Lettuce and bush beans

• Native New Zealand grasses for year-round texture and interest

Conclusion

August is a crucial month to lay the groundwork for your spring garden. With a few simple steps now, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, productive, and welcoming garden when the warmer weather arrives.

And if you want expert help designing a garden perfectly suited to your land and lifestyle, our team is here to support you.

Contact us or join our upcoming workshop :  let’s grow something beautiful together!