Growing Throughout the Year – August

Prune apricot, peach and nectarine trees in August, straight after fruiting, themain aim being to remove diseased or damaged branches/twigs, any that are crossing and rubbing each other, and to improve the shape of the tree. They can also be trained, by a combination of pruning and tying to canes/wires, to a fan shape against a wall.

This is also the month for the main pruning of cherry trees.

Summer-fruiting raspberry varieties should be pruned after all the fruits have been gathered. Cut canes that fruited down to ground level but leave about six young canes per plant to grow on and fruit next year.

Check all winter squashes (pumpkins, butternuts etc.) and limit the number of developing fruits to 4-6 per plant.

Lift onions and dry them in the sun for a week or two before storage. The easiest method is to lay them in trays, clean seed trays will do, and leave them outdoors, bringing them inside if rain threatens.