August always puts our gardens to the test. The heat, lack of rain and long hours of sunshine mean that plants need more attention now than at any other time of the year. However, with a few simple care routines, it is possible to keep your garden healthy, full of colour and ready for the end of the summer.
What's more, August is also a reminder of how important it is to look after the environment around us. Every year, concerns grow over the risk of wildfires and, whilst it is normal to feel some anxiety, we must remember that prevention is in our hands. By respecting restrictions, avoiding any careless behaviour and following the guidance of the authorities, we can enjoy our gardens and outdoor spaces with peace of mind while protecting the landscapes that make our country so unique.
In this guide, you will find the main gardening tasks for August: how to water correctly, which varieties are still in bloom, what to plant, how to care for your houseplants, what to do in the kitchen garden, and how to maintain a healthy lawn even during the hottest weeks of the year.
Because August is not a month to abandon your garden. It is the time to observe it more closely than ever.
1. Irrigation: the absolute priority of the month
If there is one essential task during August, it is watering. But it is not just about watering more, it is about watering better.
The best times remain dawn and dusk, when evaporation is much lower and water actually reaches the roots.
During this month, it is also recommended to:
Check drippers and sprinklers to make sure they are working correctly.
Maintain mulches or bark to conserve soil moisture.
Avoid wetting leaves and flowers during the hottest hours of the day.
Opt for deep and less frequent watering, encouraging stronger roots.
Eiviss Garden Tip
Smart watering does not just improve plant health. It also helps save water, one of the most valuable resources during the summer.
2. Planting: fewer quantities, better choices
August is not the best time for major planting, but it is a good time to introduce Mediterranean species capable of withstanding high temperatures.
The star performers continue to be:
Olive trees
Carob trees
Mastic trees (Lentisk)
Lavender
Rosemary
Santolina (Cotton Lavender)
All of these require less water, adapt perfectly to the Ibiza climate and will continue to grow well if watered thoroughly during the first few weeks. If you decide to plant this month, always do so in the evening and avoid the middle of the day.
3. Flowers that keep the summer colourful
Even when the heat is intense, many species continue to offer a spectacular display of blooms.
In August, the standouts remain:
Bougainvillea
Lantana
Plumbago
Salvias
Vincas (Periwinkles)
Hibiscus
As well as adding colour, many of these species attract butterflies and bees, which are vital for maintaining biodiversity in the garden.
4. Indoor plants
The heat is also felt indoors. During August, it is advisable to:
Check the moisture of the substrate before watering again.
Mist only those species that require it.
Keep them away from direct air conditioning draughts.
Wipe dust from the leaves to encourage photosynthesis.
Are you going on holiday?
Group your plants together in a bright area out of direct sunlight and, if you are going to be away for several days, set up a watering system or use self-watering pots.
5. The kitchen garden: harvesting... and looking ahead to autumn
August continues to be one of the most productive months in the kitchen garden. It is time to harvest:
Tomatoes
Peppers
Cucumbers
Courgettes
Melons
Watermelons
But it is also time to start preparing for the next season by sowing:
Spinach
Chard
Carrots
Radishes
Autumn lettuce
Sow your seeds at the end of the day and keep seed trays protected from direct sunlight.
6. Lawn care: protect rather than push
During August, lawns continue to endure the greatest stress of the year. To keep it healthy:
Maintain a mowing height of between 6 and 8 cm.
Water deeply two or three times a week, depending on conditions.
Check the irrigation system regularly.
Avoid applying fertiliser during heatwaves.
Tip
A slightly longer lawn retains soil moisture better and withstands high temperatures much more successfully.
August is also a month to care for our environment
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the garden, barbecues and outdoor living. However, it is also the period of highest wildfire risk.
In Spain, we live with this concern every year, and it is completely normal to feel a level of anxiety as temperatures rise. Because of this, prevention remains our best tool.
Respecting local restrictions, using barbecues only when permitted, avoiding any source of ignition, and keeping gardens and plots clear of dry debris are small actions that help protect a landscape we all share.
If we all do our part and follow the recommendations of local authorities, we can enjoy the summer in peace while caring for the countryside.
