Here
are some tips to prepare your lawn and garden this month:
The August heat can be very stressful on our garden plants, but pre-planning can assist in plant survival until the arrival of cooler weather.
At the top of the list of August gardening tips are the two all important W’s: Watering and Weeding. These are the most important tasks to ensure a garden that last through the remainder of the summer. Weeds are the culprits that also benefit from the extra water your plants need to survive the summer heat. Weed seeds germinate and sprout quickly so they must be dealt with just as quickly.
Although it may not be the most popular way to eliminate the problem, the safest method is pulling the weeds. Caution should be used when resorting to a weed killer as they may leach into other areas and damage plants and ornamental grasses in surrounding areas. Application of any weed killer, insecticide, fungicide or fertilizer should be done in the early morning or evening. A good rule is to never spray when the temperature is above 85 degrees.
Often we think of mulching as a fall and winter project for plant protection. But proper mulching can be a valuable tool in keeping plants healthy and hardy in the hot dry summer weather. An inch or two of natural mulch such as bark chips, pine straw or grass clippings discourage weeds and retain the moisture for your plants.
August is not the time to do any deep cultivation in your flower beds. This process loosens the soil and when the weather is hot and dry, the loosened soil is less effective in retaining moisture. There is also the risk of damaging the plants’ surface roots.
Don’t fertilize your flower garden when the weather is hot and dry. Hardier, older plants are much more heat tolerant than the new growth encouraged by the untimely use of fertilizer. The roots of older plants adapt to the hot, dry weather by slowing or shutting down, enabling them to survive the elements.
Let’s get down to the basics of watering. The goal of watering is to allow as much water as possible to soak into the root area. Only a small percentage of water that is supplied is retained by the plants; roughly 90 percent is lost through evaporation and transpiration. The key is proper watering. The best method is slow, soaking watering over a few hours, not frequent shallow watering. You can achieve this by watering at ground level with a soaker hose or a sprinkler set on low.
Pay special attention to watering newly planted trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables. Newcomers’ needs are different than the more established hardy plants. Don’t count on the rain to provide the necessary moisture, be sure they are watered regularly and deeply. Flowering shrubs, such as camellias and rhododendrons should be watered deeply once a week during August. Next season’s blooms are the buds that are starting now, so give the shrubs the water they require and you will be rewarded with prolific flowers.
Early morning is the time to water lawns during the hot weather. As with plants, much of the water evaporates before the grass gets to use it. Sprinklers that produce large drops of water instead of a fine mist are much more efficient. Since grasses and plants drink from the soil, the goal is get as much water into the ground as possible so the roots can move the moisture upward into the leaves.
Consider Containers: Pots filled with sun-loving pentas, portulacas, zinnias, vincas or petunias are a great choice for the August heat. Pots overflowing with bright flowers are a natural choice for gardens large and small. Growing plants in a pot is an often overlooked, but easy way to add huge impact. An obvious bonus from the use of pots and containers is their portability. If the plant isn’t thriving in its present location, try another spot.
Since container-grown plants have a limited area from which to absorb water, plants in a sunny location may require watering several times a day. Check plants often to avoid water stress. Unlike bedding plants, container plants need to be “fed” during the hot summer months. Frequent watering can leach important nutrients and a biweekly fertilization may be required to keep your potted plants healthy and strong. Don’t expect your container plants to live as long as the plants in the flower beds. When they start to look bedraggled, remove them, blend fresh soil mixture with the remaining soil and plant new ones. Feed the newly planted flowers with a slow-release fertilizer.
Don’t forget your hanging baskets. The wind and sun dry them out quickly, so they will need to be watered at least once a day in the summer.
Start Planning Now For Fall: Remove bedding plants that have finished blooming for the season. It is time to start planting hardy annuals or mums.
Clear out around your rose bushes. Fallen leaves and debris provide a sanctuary for insect pest and increase the chance for disease in the spring.
Now is the time to plan for any changes in your perennial plantings. Autumn’s slower gardening schedule provides a good time for dividing and moving perennials. Start selecting your old favorites and some new bulbs to plant for a spring garden. A rule of thumb for the right time to purchase bulbs is whenever they are offered for sale in your area. The biggest is best is true when purchasing bulbs. Avoid bulbs that are small or of inferior quality. Start shopping now to ensure your bulbs are on hand for fall planting.
Just remember when planning and planting your flower garden, regardless of the season, to keep in mind the basic needs of each selected plant. Beds that are populated with plants that thrive harmoniously on the same amount of water, fertilizer and sunshine will result in maximum pleasure with minimum maintenance.
How
to Seed Bare Spots And Thin Areas - Provided by Scotts
Summer heat and drought usually cause thin brown spots in
the lawn. Luckily, fall is the best time to seed and it’s
EASY! Follow these simple
steps and you’ll have a thick, green lawn.
