Here are a few health benefits of enjoying the outdoors.
To the non-gardener or hard-core athlete, gardening may seem like a sedentary
activity, but it is not. Activities like carting mulch around in a wheelbarrow,
digging in the soil, plus all that bending and lifting involved in planting
really does burn calories. Studies show that depending on the activity,
gardening can burn between 250 and 500 calories per hour. For many people
gardening is a creative outlet, for others it is the change of scenery from the
daily grind that makes a difference. Still others find that the satisfaction of
reaping the rewards of their efforts (those tasty fruits and vegetables, and
beautiful flowers) is what helps to reduce stress levels. So try it out and let
me know what you think. I would love to hear your gardening stories. You can
email me at sandi@hillermann.com.
You desperately need to continue watering in your
gardens and landscape during this month. There are many ways to supply water
economically and easily, just ask the experts. In-ground irrigation systems are
available as well as drip irrigation systems. Drip irrigation systems are very
easy for the homeowner to install. Wildlife in your yard, as well as all
new and established plantings, need your help during hot, dry summer
days. Deep root watering is the most beneficial for established plantings. If
you want to learn more about this procedure, ask the experts.
Visit the Washington Town & Country Fair this year on
August 6 through 10, 2014. Don’t miss these two educational booths: Agri-Land
and Hillermann’s Garden Solutions booth. Both of these booths offer fun,
hands-on learning opportunities. See the creative displays and get helpful
plant, landscaping, and item information, and enter contests for a chance to
win prizes at the Gardening Solutions booth.
Here are tips for the heat
and drought period of August:
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You should apply
lawn insecticides until August 15 to guard off grubs, fleas, ticks, etc. in the
yard.
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Japanese beetles
can be eliminated by trapping. Beetle traps are available and safe/organic to
use.
Ÿ
Think “green” and
recycle your planting containers.
Ÿ
Keep deadheading
spent annual and perennial flowers for continued bloom.
Ÿ
Feed garden mums
and asters for the last time.
Ÿ
Monitor plants
for spider mite activity. Hose affected plants off with a forceful spray of
water, or spray with Bonide Eight (with Permethrin). To check for spider
mites, hold a white piece of paper under a suspected branch. Tap on the branch
and then run your hand across the paper. If you get red streaks, you have
spider mites!
Ÿ
Roses should
receive no further nitrogen fertilizer after the end of August to prevent the
production of late tender growth that could be damaged by fall frosts.
Ÿ
Soak shrubs
periodically during dry spells with enough water to moisten the soil to a depth
of 8-10 inches.
Ÿ
Prune to shape
hedges for the last time this season.
Ÿ
Once bagworms
reach full size, insecticides are ineffective. Pruning off and burning or
discarding of large bags provides better control.
Ÿ
Watch for fall
webworm activity. Apply Fertilome Bagworm and Tent Caterpillar Spray when
spotted.
Ÿ
Cultivate
Strawberries and apply weed preventer immediately, after fertilizing to help
with fall germinating weeds such as henbit or chickweed.
Ÿ
Protect ripening
fruits from birds by covering plants with bird netting. This is a black mesh
netting and is readily available at Garden Centers.
Ÿ
Pinch the growing
tips of gourds once the adequate fruit set amount is achieved. This directs
energy into the ripening fruits, rather than vine production.
Ÿ
Broccoli, cabbage
and cauliflower transplants should be set out for the fall garden. Also, sow
seeds of lettuce, radish, beans, beets, spinach and turnips now. (Spinach may
germinate better if the seeds are refrigerated.)
Ÿ
For additional
information about garden tips for summer and all seasons, check out this
website www.hillermann.com.
Time to go... See you in the Garden!!
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
