Drought, hurricanes, scorching heat, or torrential rains are a mix of what Mother Nature can offer us in August. Rain is always welcome, but in the height of summer, heavy rains can cause unexpected problems if not monitored properly.

Run-off can be a severe problem on bare dry land with soil being washed away even to the point of around roots if soil becomes loosened.

On newly worked land where soil is not firmed washout can also create problems, especially around the roots of newly planted material.

To avoid these problems always firm soil after planting and grade to a smooth finish; water will always find the easiest route to run and once a channel is created, the run off can become a torrent.

When watering during the heat of the summer it is best carried out in the morning or late in the day, in the case of the latter, always drain the hosepipe away from plants or lawn to remove any hot water retained in the pipe during the heat of the day; if not removed scorching of foliage or root systems can cause immeasurable harm.

When applying water around plants, spread the application to around the drip line of the foliage, this will give a better coverage and uptake of water. Creating a slight saucer shape will help water settle and permeate into the soil.

I would avoid overhead irrigation even with a hosepipe and concentrate on a slow gentle pressure of water around the soil drip tip of foliage.

A couple of passes with hose will allow water to settle gently into the soil without causing run-off. Liquid fertilising can also be incorporated by this method without damaging the roots or foliage with scorch damage.

August being in the hurricane season and open to wind damage is a suitable time to reassess the amount of new growth – especially if season to date has been wet – and thin out heavy growth to allow high winds to filter through the foliage with a reduced risk of breakage to stems.

It is usual after a period of drought and heavy rain to see a surge of growth which will be of a tender nature; if it is of an overly heavy nature, it is advisable to thin it out to allow light to centre of plants which will create a more uniform growth appearance wise.

Good foliage cover will reduce the sun's rays heating and drying out the soil, but on the obverse, the more growth the greater the need for uptake of water to keep foliage “turgid” and thus avoid a stress problem of wilting foliage.

Good leaf cover also assists in reduced weed growth by reducing light intensity for weeds to germinate; weeds being fast growers will utilise available soil water for growth, whilst weeding and working the top surface of the soil can create drying out of the soil.

It is a ‘balance’ that needs to be monitored especially during hot dry periods.

I would not recommend any major plantings during hot dry weather as the soil moisture will be a problem in initiating establishment of the root system and put the root system under stress.

During hot dry periods, the soil moisture deficit can be a major problem in the ongoing growth pattern.

With new growth comes the possibility of pests and disease infestation, during hot dry periods it is not advisable to use chemical sprays as they can cause scorch to foliage and root damage.

Caterpillars can be removed by hand picking whilst aphids and other pests should be removed by applying a pesticide in the cool of the evening after watering heavily around roots system to ensure plant is not being stressed.

August is a month for relaxing and enjoying the fruits of one's labours in the garden and allowing Mother Nature to run her course, which to say the least can be unpredictable.

• Malcolm D. Griffiths is a trained horticulturalist and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture in Britain. He is also past president of the Bermuda Horticultural Society, the Bermuda Orchid Society and the Bermuda Botanical Society