Late July to August Gardening Guide: What to Plant, Prune, and Prepare For

As summer settles into its peak, late July through August offers a perfect window for fresh planting, thoughtful pruning, and prepping your garden for the transition into fall. At Maple Leaf Farms, we're here to guide you on what thrives in the heat, how to keep your garden healthy, and what to expect next.

Best Plants for Late July to August Success

Perennials:

Late summer is still a great time to plant many sun-loving perennials. Some of our best performers include:

Hostas: These shade-tolerant classics continue to thrive, even in the heat.

Coneflowers (Echinacea): Drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly, these are a standout.

Rudbeckia (Black-Eyed Susan): Bright, bold, and blooming through fall.

Coreopsis: Light and airy flowers that pair well with other summer color.

Annuals:

Looking to fill in empty spots or keep pots looking fresh? Consider:

SunPatiens: Excellent sun-tolerant impatiens that provide nonstop color.

Begonias: Vibrant and durable in shaded areas.

Vinca: Heat-loving, low-maintenance blooms for sunny beds.

Herbs & Edibles:

Yes, you can still plant herbs and quick-growing edibles:

Basil: Loves the warmth and will continue producing with regular pinching.

Peppers: Sweet and hot varieties will yield into fall.

Lemon Balm or Mint: Great for containers, teas, and fragrance.

Shrubs & Ornamental Highlights:

Now is a good time to add late-summer color and structure:

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia): Incredible pollinator magnet and long blooming.

Hardy Gardenia: Fragrant white blooms, great in sheltered sunny spots.

Fall Camellia (Camellia sasanqua): Prepare now for beautiful fall blooms.

Ornamental Grasses: Add texture, movement, and winter interest.

Watering and Fertilizing Tips

Deep Watering: Two to three deep waterings per week are more effective than daily light sprays.

Early Morning is Best: Reduces evaporation and helps prevent fungal issues.

Fertilizing: Use balanced slow-release fertilizers or organic-based ones such as Espoma Bio-Tone. Avoid overfeeding, especially in prolonged heat.

When and What to Prune in Late Summer

Spring-Blooming Shrubs (like lilacs or azaleas): Prune just after blooming, not now.

Summer Bloomers (like butterfly bush or roses): Light deadheading or shaping can be done now.

Boxwoods, Hollies, and Evergreens: A light shaping is okay but avoid heavy pruning until fall.

Prepare for Fall Planting & Seasonal Change

Late summer is the right time to:

Start planning your fall beds: Think pansies, mums, ornamental kale.

Assess garden layout: Note gaps, crowding, or plants that need relocating.

Clear out declining annuals: Give your garden room to breathe and prep for cool-season plantings.

Order trees or large shrubs: Fall is prime planting time for root establishment.

Look Ahead: Fall at Maple Leaf Farms

As August rolls in, we’re already preparing for our biggest season of the year. Look out for our full Fall Gardening Guide, with tips on fall plants, bulbs, decor, and our exciting Fall Activities & Events. From mums and pumpkins to festive events for the whole family, you won’t want to miss what’s coming.

Stay tuned and stop by soon to get inspired.

Bright and bold Rudbeckia blooming in summer

Lush green Hosta thriving in partial shade

Vibrant Coneflowers attracting pollinators

Colorful Begonias ready for summer planting

Hanging baskets in full bloom inside our greenhouse

Decorative Zebra Grass adding movement and texture

Close-up of a deep red rose in full bloom

Vivid Goldthread Cypress for bright foliage contrast

Fast-growing Green Giant Arborvitae for privacy and height

Neat and narrow Emerald Green Arborvitae, ideal for hedges