Heat Management, Harvest Abundance, and Preparing for Fall

August in Kamloops is hot, dry, and often smoky. Gardens need steady care to stay productive and healthy. This is the month to keep watering consistent, harvest generously, and begin subtle transitions toward fall.

 Fruits & Vegetables

• Water deeply and consistently — Continue long soakings every 3–4 days. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal in August heat.
• Harvest regularly — Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, peppers, and squash are at peak production. Frequent picking keeps plants productive.
• Watch for heat stress — Wilting at midday is normal; wilting in the morning means plants need water.
• Mulch to conserve moisture — Top up straw, shredded leaves, or compost to keep soil cool.
• Check for pests — Spider mites thrive in hot, dry weather. Hose down foliage or use insecticidal soap if needed.
• Prune tomatoes lightly — Remove excess foliage shading ripening fruit. Stop heavy pruning now.
• Start fall crops — Sow lettuce, spinach, radishes, arugula, and kale in shaded spots or under shade cloth.
• Cure onions and garlic — Harvest when tops fall over; cure in a warm, airy place.

 Flowers & Ornamentals

• Water deeply — Flower beds dry quickly in August. Water early morning to reduce evaporation.
• Deadhead generously — Roses, dahlias, cosmos, and annuals bloom longer with regular deadheading.
• Cut back tired perennials — Trim back catmint, salvia, and coreopsis again if they’ve finished their second flush.
• Stake heavy bloomers — Dahlias, rudbeckia, and tall asters may need extra support.
• Plan fall colour — Chrysanthemums, asters, rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses begin to shine.
• Watch for powdery mildew — Common on phlox, monarda, and squash. Improve airflow and water at soil level.
• Lift and divide irises –  Click on the following link for step by step instructions: https://kamloopsgardenclub.com/lifting-and-dividing-irises/

Trees, Shrubs & Perennials

• Deep‑water trees and shrubs — Young trees especially need slow, deep watering every 7–10 days.
• Avoid major pruning — Except for removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
• Check mulch levels — Maintain 2–3 inches around shrubs and trees to reduce heat stress.
• Plan fall planting — Make notes on gaps or plants that struggled; fall is the best planting season in Kamloops.

 Other August Tasks

• Water lawns 1 inch per week — Follow Kamloops watering restrictions; early morning is best.
• Monitor wildfire smoke impacts — Smoke reduces sunlight; plants may slow growth. Watering becomes even more important.
• Collect seeds — Poppies, calendula, columbine, and nigella are ready now.
• Refresh containers — Trim leggy annuals, replace tired plants, and add late‑season colour.

Enjoy your garden — August evenings are magical. Sit outside, watch pollinators, and savour the season.