August is the perfect time to prune wisteria, helping it stay under control and encouraging more blooms next year. Cut back the long, whippy growth that the plant has put on this year to about five or six leaves. This will not only help keep it in check but also prevent it from causing problems with guttering or eaves if it's growing on a house wall. Regular pruning promotes the formation of flower buds for the next season.

For fruit trees such as apples and pears, August is a good time to prune new shoots that have sprouted from the main branches. This helps improve fruit quality and ripening. Also, trim any upward-growing shoots to three leaves and maintain the tree’s shape. For raspberries and other summer-fruiting bushes, cut back the canes that have already fruited to ground level to encourage fresh growth for next year.

Chives can become overcrowded over time, and if you notice that your clumps are congested, now is the time to divide them. Dig up the clumps and split them into smaller sections, leaving around five or six bulbs per clump. This will give the plants more space to grow and thrive.

Feeding your lawn in August ensures it remains thick and green through the summer. Use a lawn treatment that combines fertiliser and soil enhancers to boost growth. If your lawn is looking a little tired, this treatment will help revive it. Weed regularly to prevent competition for nutrients, and raise the mower blades to help grass retain water.

If you have half-hardy plants that you’d like to save for next year, August is the time to take cuttings. Plants like Verbenas, Fuchsias, and Pelargoniums are perfect candidates. Take the cuttings, dip them in hormone rooting compound, and place them in small pots filled with Seed & Cutting Compost. Keep them in a warm, sheltered location (but out of direct sunlight), and in about 8 weeks, the cuttings should be ready to transplant.