August Gardening Tips by Region

Well it is my least favorite time in the summer garden..August. It is awful hot and flowers are looking very weary with dead blooms more evident in the garden then color. It also is evidence of that Fall cleanup is around the corner.

So as I spending time looking at my outdoor garden furniture and garden tools knowing that soon I was going to have to clean them and put them away. I begin the long process of dead heading my black eye susans.

Okay enough complaining for now. And on to the work at hand in my garden in South Jersey. Unfortunately if a few things are not done the garden will go to ruin in a matter of days, especially if the weather gets hot. Therefore, watering, grooming and weeding head the list of projects for this month.

1. Water, Water, Water
   
   • It is best that you water occasionally and deeply rather than shallow and often.
     
   • Using soaker hoses is the most efficient way of watering.
   • A watering-hose attachment provides a gentle spray when watering from above.
     
   • When watering over-top of flowers it is best to water in the morning or early afternoon so foliage dries and the soil has a chance to warm-up before the cooler evening hours set-in.
     
   • Vegetable gardens and flowering plants need about one inch of water every week to keep them green and looking nice.
   • Keeping an eye on newly planted items, including young trees. If you don't have a Tree-gator, buy one. They are less than $25 and they can save the life of a young tree.
2. Struggling looking flowers need attention
   
   • Mature plants that are flopping should be tied up or use plant supports or stakes to keep them upright and to prevent them from smothering neighboring plants
   • If an annual flower or vegetable is struggling, just pull it up and pitch it.
   • If a perennial is sickly or looking awful, cut it back to just a few inches. It will come back this year or next spring with healthier growth.
   • Pick off the old dead flowers on your annuals, as well as the spent flowers on perennial plants daily. The key is to cut off the spent flower a quarter-inch above the next bud.
3. Mulch may need to be replenished
   
   • Should be 1-3 inches.
   • Straw and grass clippings breakdown faster
     
4. Weeding never seems to end
   
   • Weed after a good rain. Weeds come out easier and with more root
   
   • Weeds are hosts to many insects and diseases it is important to keep them under control, so pests and diseases do not infest your other garden plants.
   • Weed seed germinate faster during warmer months..all the more reason to stay on top of this chore
     
5. Care of perennials and bushes
   
   • Begin dividing perennials. Start with the bearded iris. Pot up perennial divisions for spring plant swaps. Sink the pots into the ground this fall and they'll be one less chore in the spring.
   • Plant trees, shrubs and perennials now, so they can take root. Be sure to do it during the coolest part of the day and water-in the plants thoroughly after transplanting. Take time to properly prepare the soil by mixing generous quantities of peat moss, compost (if available) and processed manure with your existing soil.
   • Fall blooming Crocus should be planted this month
   • Summer blooming shrubs should be pruned for shape after they have finished flowering.
   • Prune your hybrid roses in late August to promote the most fall blossoms..
     
     • Remove about a third of the vigorous growth
     • Any stems that cross each other should be removed, as well as those in the center of the plant.
     • Weak, spindly canes and any damaged by black spot fungus should be removed.
     • Roses should be fertilized through the end of September(except colder regions)
     • Maintain a spraying schedule to control insects and disease.
       
6. Harvesting Vegetables
   
   • Be sure to pick small and often.
   • Now is the time to start your fall and winter vegetables. Plant starters or seeds of green onions, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and winter cauliflower directly into the garden early this month.
7. Take extra care of hanging and container plants
   
   • Check the soil for every day during hot weather and about every second day on moderate summer days.
     
   • Push your finger an inch or two into the soil to be sure there is adequate moisture throughout the root area. Water them thoroughly each time you water
   • Can need watering as often as twice a day in hot, windy weather.
   • Trim and feed handing baskets to prolong their beauty
8. Order spring bulbs for planting and forcing.

I garden in the northeast and many chores remain the same for other regions but many are different. A great place to check your particular region is Better Homes and Gardens: Gardening by Region. Find your region and then select the month within the region.

Many chores in my garden are second nature but some are not.. So when summarizing the tips for this month I got information from August Garden Projects, August Tips: the Northeast, August in the Garden, and Gardening in the Month of August.

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Some other postings that may be of interest:
Overseeding in the Fall for a better lawn
Great Plants for your Fall Containers & Planters
Why you Need to Plant a Tree this Fall