August Garden Survival Kit: Keep Your Garden Thriving Through Late Summer
August is one of the toughest months for gardens across Canada. Heat waves, dry spells, weeds, and pests can undo all your hard work in weeks. Whether you’re gardening in hot, dry Alberta, rainy BC, or humid Ontario, now’s the time to protect your plants and set up for a strong fall season.
This survival kit is packed with practical tips and tools to help you keep your garden healthy through late summer and prep for a strong fall finish.
1) Beat the Heat & Dry Spells
Tip: Late-summer heat can dry out your garden fast, so the key is watering deeply and locking in as much moisture as possible. Instead of quick, shallow watering every day, aim to water less often but for longer stretches. This encourages roots to grow deeper and makes plants more resilient in dry conditions.
What helps:
- King Canada Premium 5/8" x 100ft Garden Hose – a durable, kink-resistant hose that makes consistent deep watering easier, even for large gardens.
- Einhell 36V 3-in-1 Cordless Leaf Blower/Vacuum/Mulcher – turns fallen leaves into nutrient-rich mulch you can spread around plants to help soil retain moisture and regulate temperature.
2) Stay on Top of Weeds & Deadheading
Tip: Weeds compete for water and nutrients—removing them now makes a huge difference. Deadhead flowers regularly to keep them blooming strong into the fall.
What helps:
-
Fiskars Ergo Weeder Scratch Tool – for precision weeding with less strain on your wrists.
- Garant Cultivator/Hoe Combo – a versatile option for breaking up soil and removing weeds in larger areas.
-
Fiskars Larger Softgrip® Bypass Pruner – perfect for deadheading flowers and trimming small stems.
3) Prep for Fall Planting
Tip: August is the perfect time to plant cool-season crops like kale, spinach, carrots, and radishes. It’s also a great opportunity to enrich your soil and start prepping for spring bulbs.
What helps:
- Fiskars Ergo Trowel – a must-have for planting seeds and seedlings.
- Garant T-Handle Garden Claw Tiller – ideal for loosening compacted soil before planting.
- Fiskars Hand Seed Sower – makes quick work of evenly distributing seeds.
- Garant Reusable Dome Seed Starter Tray – perfect for starting fall crops like kale or broccoli indoors.
4) Guard Against Pests & Disease
Tip: Inspect your plants regularly for pests, fungal diseases, and mildew. Early action is the best way to protect your harvest and maintain healthy plants through the end of the season.
What helps:
- Chapin 2 Gallon Deluxe SureSpray Tank Sprayer – ideal for applying pest-control or organic sprays evenly.
- Superior Glove Dexterity Nitrile Coated Palm Gloves – for comfortable, all-purpose hand protection.
- JR Home Grapevine Raised Planter Greenhouse – features a removable waterproof PE mesh cover with UV protection that keeps pests and critters out while allowing sunlight and air through. A great option if you want a more structured, raised-bed solution that doubles as a row-cover alternative.
5) Care for Your Tools (and Make Them Last)
Tip: Mid-season is the perfect time to refresh and organize your tools. Clean them properly, sharpen blades, and hang them up after each use—this saves you time, keeps tools in top condition, and makes gardening safer.
What helps:
- Long Handle Wire Brush – Nylon Wires – for scrubbing off dirt and rust.
- WD-40 11oz Aerosol Lubricant – keeps pruners, shears, and moving parts running smoothly.
- Gray Tools Half Round Hand File – sharpen pruners, loppers, and hoes for easier, cleaner cuts.
- Milwaukee Packout 9” Straight Hook – hang tools neatly in your shed or garage.
Keep Your Garden Thriving Through Fall
Don’t let August conditions set you back. With the right tools, you can water smarter, control pests, and prep your garden for fall success. Shop Hansler’s full Garden Tools Collection today and get everything you need to keep your garden thriving through September and beyond.
