August………besides
vacations, other activities that will pull you away from your list of gardening
duties are fairs, festivals, family outings, and back to school
preparations. It really is a good thing
that August is a slow month for working in your landscape.
Your
main tasks for this month begin with the letter W. Weeding and watering. Both tasks are pretty self-explanatory. If you let weeds get ahead of you and they go
to seed, you are going to have hundreds more to deal with this fall and next
spring. When using herbicides be sure
to read and follow all label directions thoroughly. They are written for your protection. Generally, it is best to pull weeds that are
growing in and immediately around your desirable plants, and spray those that
are “in the open”.
As
far as watering goes, it has been an extremely tough moisture year, so slow
deep watering at the base of desirable trees and shrubs on a weekly basis is
very important. Try to eliminate drought stress on your plants. Our water table
is very low. So please take care of your
desirable plants with slow soaking waterings. If you have questions, do not hesitate to give us a call.
Mowing
the lawn is another task that continues in August. Due to the usually hot and dry conditions
that are the norm in August, you may be able to space your mowings further
apart. It is also beneficial to let the
grass grow longer to help shade the roots.
If
you are thinking about a new addition to your landscape this fall, now is the
time to talk to your favorite landscape designer. Your designer can discuss your needs with
you, design the changes or new additions, and get you on the schedule for a
fall installation.
If
you tried your hand at seasonal vegetable or square foot gardening this spring,
here are a few ways you can enjoy a fall garden. Carry Tomatoes, Peppers and Basil over in
your fall garden. Direct sow Beets,
Radishes, Peas, and Spinach now where other spring crops such as Broccoli and
Cauliflower have come and gone for this year.
It is best to replant nursery starts of Broccoli and Cauliflower, and
not sow them from seed this time of year.
See you next month……….in the garden
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
