August in Minnesota is a unique time for gardeners. The heat of summer lingers, but fall is already on the horizon. For homeowners and plant lovers, it’s the perfect month to maintain, refresh, and prepare your landscape for the seasonal shift. Whether you’re tending to low-maintenance plants, designing a new concrete patio, or planning for cool-weather blooms, Otten Bros is here to help your yard look its best.

Since 1953, Otten Bros has been a trusted source for landscaping, gardening tools, and expert design services across Minnesota. Here’s your complete August gardening guide to finish summer strong and prepare your property for fall.

1. Deadhead, Prune & Trim

By August, many summer-blooming flowers begin to fade. Deadheading (removing spent blooms) not only keeps your garden looking tidy but encourages more flowers to emerge through early fall.

What to do this month:

• Deadhead coneflowers, rudbeckia, and salvia.

• Lightly prune perennials that have flopped over or become leggy.

• Trim shrubs to maintain form but avoid heavy pruning that stimulates late-season growth (which may not survive frost).
  

Bonus Tip: If your landscape includes custom retaining walls or tiered beds, pruning back can reveal layered structure and highlight your hardscape design.

2. Water Smartly & Watch for Heat Stress

August can bring both hot days and occasional dry spells. Your garden will need deep, consistent watering—especially your containers, new plantings, and low-maintenance landscape design features like native grasses or flowering perennials.

Otten Bros Watering Tips:

• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation.

• Focus on the root zone—not the leaves.

• Check landscape drainage areas to ensure runoff isn’t washing away mulch or soil.
  

If you’re noticing persistent water issues or dry spots, ask our team about landscaping and water drainage solutions like graded slopes, dry creeks, or small-scale retaining walls.

3. Feed and Fertilize Selectively

Many flowering annuals and vegetables benefit from one last feeding in early August, but don’t overdo it. You want to support healthy roots and blooms—not promote excessive growth that could be damaged in cooler weather.

Pro tip: Avoid fertilizing trees and shrubs this late in the season. They should be hardening off, not producing new growth.

4. Plan for Fall Color

Now is the time to start thinking ahead. August is perfect for planting low-maintenance plants like ornamental grasses, fall-blooming sedum, and native asters that will shine in September and beyond.

If you’re considering a fall landscape design refresh, think about adding:

• Landscape design front walkway enhancements with potted mums

• Fall-blooming perennials near your outdoor living spaces

• Backyard landscape design ideas with four-season interest
  

Need inspiration? Our landscape design company can help you map out easy backyard landscape designs that transition beautifully through the seasons.

5. Tidy and Maintain Your Garden Beds

A mid-season cleanup makes your garden easier to manage as fall approaches. Remove weeds before they go to seed, and clear debris from under shrubs and perennials to reduce disease risk.

August is also a great time to:

• Refresh mulch around stepping stone walkway designs or paths

• Edge your beds for clean lines

• Prep space for residential landscaping upgrades or bulb planting next month
  

6. Keep Your Lawn Healthy

If your lawn is struggling in the heat, avoid major repairs for now. Instead:

• Mow high (3-4 inches)

• Leave clippings for added moisture and nutrients

• Water deeply and infrequently
  

Late August is the perfect time to schedule aeration or overseeding, so your lawn thrives into fall and next spring.

7. Prepare Containers for Transition

Those vibrant annuals in pots may be fading—but don’t ditch the planters yet! Transition containers into fall by swapping out tired summer plants for:

• Ornamental kale

• Fall pansies

• Grasses and miniature evergreens
  

These also pair beautifully with concrete patios, paver walkway designs, and outdoor living spaces for a warm, welcoming aesthetic.

Bonus Design Tip: Think About Hardscaping for Fall

Looking ahead to cooler months? August is a smart time to start planning and even installing hardscape projects while the weather is still ideal.

Otten Bros can help you incorporate:

• A concrete block retaining wall to support garden beds

• Landscape design walkways that improve navigation

• Fire features or patios for extended use of outdoor living spaces

We partner with top retaining wall contractors and offer tailored solutions for luxury landscape installations or small, low maintenance yard design projects alike.

FAQ: August Gardening in Minnesota

Can I plant anything in August?

Yes! Late-summer is great for planting perennials, ornamental grasses, and even trees. The soil is warm and root growth continues into fall.

Should I fertilize my garden in August?

Light feeding is fine for annuals and vegetables, but avoid fertilizing shrubs or trees late in the season.

Is it too early to think about fall landscaping?

Not at all! August is the perfect time to plan ahead—whether it’s adding low-maintenance plants, updating your landscape design, or prepping for a retaining wall project.

How do I manage water runoff after summer storms?

Talk to our team about landscaping drainage and water flow solutions like swales, dry creeks, and retaining walls that double as both functional and visual features.

Final Thoughts

August may feel like the tail end of summer, but for Minnesota gardeners, it’s a month full of opportunities. With smart care, planting, and planning, you can keep your landscape vibrant while prepping for a seamless transition into fall.

Whether you’re maintaining your blooms, designing a new walkway, or thinking big with backyard landscape ideas, Otten Bros has everything you need—from tools and low-maintenance plants to expert guidance from our landscape design team.