Your garden requires attention to both maintenance and preparation for the upcoming fall season. Here are a few August Garden tips:
General Maintenance
Weeding and Cleanup: Remove weeds before they go to seed to prevent future problems. Clear out any spent plants to reduce shelters for pests and diseases.
Deadheading: Regularly deadhead flowers to encourage further blooming and to keep the garden looking tidy. This also helps plants conserve energy for new growth.
Pruning: Prune lavender and rambling roses after flowering to maintain their shape. Avoid heavy pruning of trees and shrubs, as this can stimulate new growth that won't harden off before winter.
Preparing for Fall
Sow Cool-Weather Crops: Start planting seeds for cool-season vegetables like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. Mid to late August is also a good time to sow peas for a fall harvest.
Plan for Fall Flowers: Consider adding cool-weather annuals such as pansies and snapdragons to your garden. Now is the time to prepare beds by cleaning and amending the soil with compost.
Order Bulbs: This is a good time to order spring-flowering bulbs to plant in the fall. Consider varieties that bloom at different times to extend your garden's color throughout the season.
Lawn Care
Lawn Renovation: Mid-August to mid-September is prime time for lawn repair. Aerate your lawn to improve drainage and nutrient access, and overseed any bare patches to prevent weeds.
Mowing: Adjust your mower to cut no more than one-third of the grass height to reduce stress during the hot weather. Allow grass clippings to remain on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil.
Fruit and Vegetables
Harvesting: Keep an eye on ripening fruits like grapes and strawberries. Regular watering is crucial during this time to support fruit production.
Final Tomato Planting: If you want to plant fall tomatoes, do so early in the month. Otherwise, focus on harvesting and removing any plants that are no longer productive.
By focusing on these tasks, you can maintain a healthy garden and prepare it for the transition into fall.
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