Spring is knocking on our garden gates, South Africa. While August still carries a chill, it's the perfect time to prepare for the warmer, greener days ahead. But with the excitement of a new season also comes the risk of jumping the gun or neglecting what your garden needs most right now.
Here are the top 7 mistakes gardeners often make in August, and how you can avoid them with the help of a little planning, some patience and of course, a dash of GuanoBoost magic.
Mistake 1: Planting Too Soon
August feels like spring, but frost can still make surprise appearances, especially in inland and high-altitude areas. Many gardeners are eager to start planting summer vegetables and delicate flowers, but doing so too early can cause major setbacks.
How to avoid it:
Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse if you can and wait until mid-to-late August (or even early September in colder areas) to transplant frost-sensitive plants. Use frost cloths to protect tender seedlings if needed.
Mistake 2: Forgetting About Pests
You may think pests are a spring or summer problem, but August is when sneaky insects and slugs begin to stir. If you're not paying attention, they’ll have a feast on your early blooms and seedlings before spring has even arrived.
How to avoid it:
Inspect your plants regularly and take early action. Natural remedies like neem oil, companion planting, or diatomaceous earth work wonders. And don’t forget to keep your plants strong and resilient with organic nourishment like GuanoBoost.
Mistake 3: Skipping the Soil Prep
You can’t grow lush plants in tired, compacted soil. Many gardeners underestimate how important soil preparation is in August. Jumping straight into planting without conditioning your soil means your plants won’t reach their full potential.
How to avoid it:
Turn over your beds, remove weeds, add compost and enrich the soil with GuanoBoostLiquid Fertiliser. Our nutrient-rich formula gives your soil the kickstart it needs after a long winter nap.
Mistake 4: Overwatering or Underwatering
August can be a tricky month for watering. Days are warming up, but the soil doesn’t dry out as quickly as in summer. Some gardeners still water like it’s winter, while others start overwatering in anticipation of spring.
How to avoid it:
Check the moisture level by sticking your finger into the soil. If it’s still moist a few centimetres down, hold off. Early morning watering is best to prevent fungal growth and help roots absorb moisture before the heat of the day.
Mistake 5: Neglecting Perennial Care
Perennials often get forgotten at this time of year. They might look scraggly or “dead,” but beneath the surface, they’re getting ready to shine again. Ignoring them now means they’ll be weaker come spring.
How to avoid it:
Cut back dead stems, divide overcrowded clumps, and feed them with a gentle organic fertiliser like GuanoBoost to encourage strong new growth. Your future flowerbeds will thank you.
Mistake 6: Not Cleaning Up the Garden Properly
A messy garden is a haven for pests, diseases and rot. Leaving old leaves, mouldy mulch, or last season’s dead plants in place is a common mistake that can sabotage your spring success.
How to avoid it:
Clear out garden beds, rake up fallen leaves, and remove any diseased plant material. Keep your compost healthy by balancing greens (fresh cuttings) with browns (dry leaves or straw).
Mistake 7: Ignoring Garden Planning
August is prime time for planning, but many gardeners skip this step and end up planting on a whim, leading to overcrowding or wasted space later.
How to avoid it:
Take a few hours to sketch out your garden layout. Decide what you’ll grow, where, and when. Consider crop rotation, sun exposure and companion planting. And make sure to schedule regular feeds with GuanoBoost to keep things thriving.
Let GuanoBoost Help You Avoid Garden Mistakes
Gardening in August can be joyful and productive if you avoid the common pitfalls. Whether you’re prepping your soil, nurturing seedlings, or waking up your perennials, GuanoBoost gives your garden the natural nourishment it needs to thrive.
Our 100% organic, environmentally friendly fertiliser is packed with nutrients that are easy to absorb, safe for all plants, and kind to the Earth.