We still have a good bit of summer to enjoy. And enjoy we must. Weather and other happenings are proving rather challenging so its all the more imperative that we find the glimmers to keep our spirits up and our hearts full of joy. To that end, time in nature (gardens, parks, woods, lakes, seaside) fulfills admirably. So get outside and get busy. Tend to the garden, take walks, play in the park, swim, kayak, simply sit and breathe the fresh air. Lets fully savor summer.
Speaking of tending to the garden, here;s this month’s To-Do list.
What To-Do In August –
1. Harvest the vegetable patch regularly. If you’re overwhelmed with the bounty, offer them to food kitchens, friends and neighbors. Also, consider canning vegetables and fruit. They are mighty handy to have on those days in winter when you crave summer fare. Not to mention the crazy times when cooking is simply not possible.
Note: I’ve been pickling veggies this year. Makes for tasty hors d’oeuvres, picnic fare, accompaniments to burgers and grilled fish and chicken. So easy to do!
2. Keep weeding. Even though it is hot, hot, hot, weeds continue to thrive. Early hours of the morning are most enjoyable – cooler and fewer biting bugs.
3. Water as required.
4. Mow as usual. Again, do the right thing and keep blades at 3 1/2 to 4 inches high.
5. Continue to deadhead and trim back. This keeps the garden tidy. Seeds that you wish to harvest can be left on the plants till they are ripe and ready to save.
6. Take cuttings of plants for rooting. Doing it now will provide enough time for growth before planting in the fall or bringing indoors in winter.
7. If you’re going away, arrange to have someone water the garden, harvest vegetables and keep an eye on things.
8. Prune wisteria and anything that is overgrown.
9. Watch for pests and/or disease. Use organic treatments when needed.
10. Keep birdbaths filled with fresh water.
11. With the garden at its peak right now, any gaps in the plantings can be readily noted and duly filled. Note: Nurseries often have summer sales at this time in order to make space for fall-planting shipments.
12. Spend as much time as possible in the garden – autumn approaches! Eat, read, snooze, throw parties, paint, write, meditate, pay bills, enjoy the garden.
In My Garden Right Now –





















(c) 2026 Shobha Vanchiswar
[do_widget “Blog Subscriptions (Jetpack)”]














































































































