As winter starts to loosen its grip, August brings the first whispers of spring-and with it, the perfect chance to prep your garden for a thriving growing season. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting started, this quiet, in-between period offers an ideal opportunity to get a head start before the spring rush.
From refreshing your greenhouse soil to upgrading your shade solutions, let’s explore how you can wake up your garden with intention-and success!
🌱 1. Refresh Your Greenhouse Soil
Cold months can leave your greenhouse soil compacted, nutrient-depleted, or harbouring pests. Now’s the time to:
- Loosen and aerate the soil
- Mix in compost or well-aged manure
- Top up with organic matter like straw or mulch
👉 Pro Tip: Consider rotating crops this spring. Not only does it improve soil health, but it also helps minimise pest and disease risks.
Need to section off areas in your greenhouse for new crops? Check out our Greenhouse Kits-perfect for creating a productive, protected growing space.
🪴 2. Start Hardy Seedlings Indoors
Get a jump on the growing season by sowing hardy spring crops like:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Silverbeet
- Early herbs
Use propagation trays and a warm spot inside your greenhouse to give seedlings the best start. Keep them cosy on those chilly August mornings!
Pair this prep with our Greenhouse Shadecloth to create the ideal environment-diffusing light while maintaining warmth and airflow.
✂️ 3. Prune Before the Spring Surge
Many fruit trees and deciduous shrubs benefit from a late-winter prune. Focus on:
- Removing dead or damaged branches
- Thinning out overcrowded areas to improve airflow
- Shaping trees for even growth and easier harvesting
This is also a great time to check plant health. If you’ve had any pest or fungal issues over winter, trim and dispose of affected foliage.
🧰 4. Inspect & Repair Your Garden Infrastructure
While things are still relatively quiet, give your garden structures a once-over:
- Tighten any loose panels on your Polytunnel or Tunnel Kits
- Check for tears or sagging in Shadecloth or Netting
- Clean out gutters, raised beds, and water systems
A bit of maintenance now saves time and stress later when things are in full swing.
🌞 5. Adjust Your Shade Solutions
As the sun grows stronger, your plants will need protection from harsh UV exposure-especially in your greenhouse or tunnel.
Install or adjust your Shadecloth to:
- Regulate heat
- Prevent sunburn on delicate seedlings
- Maintain consistent growing temperatures
Our range of UV-stabilised shadecloths is perfect for creating that dappled light effect plants love-all while keeping pests at bay.
🛒 6. Plan & Order Seeds Early
Beat the rush by ordering your seeds now. Consider crops with longer lead times or hard-to-find varieties. Use this time to:
- Draw up your garden layout
- Allocate space in your greenhouse or beds
- Pre-schedule your sowing calendar
Want to take your planning up a notch? Match your garden layout to your Greenhouse Kit dimensions or tunnel space, so every seed has the ideal environment from day one.
✨ 7. Give Your Greenhouse a Spring Clean
Wipe down the interior panels, remove debris, and disinfect your tools. This reduces the risk of overwintering pests or mould affecting your spring crops.
Need extra room or thinking of upgrading? Take a look at our Modular Greenhouse Kits-easy to expand, customisable for your space, and made to thrive in Aussie conditions.
Ready to Wake Up Your Garden?
August is all about quiet momentum. A little planning, a bit of prep, and some smart upgrades now will reward you with a garden that explodes into life come spring.
Take advantage of this transition month-and don’t forget to check out our full range of Greenhouse Kits, Polytunnels, and Shadecloth to support your green space at every step.
Happy growing from the Greenhouse & Polytunnels Team! 🌿
