The August Gardening Checklist

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The heat of summer is upon us, and your garden may be suffering the consequences. But in spite of the sweltering conditions during the dog days of August, there are plenty of tasks you can add to your to-do list that will get your plants to peak performance!

Tackle the Weed Issue

If it looks like your weeds have suddenly taken hold of your garden, they probably have. The combination of summer sun and rain, along with the plant’s life cycle of seed production, triggers an intense growth that can make it seem like it happened overnight. It’s easy to weed after a soaking rain or thorough watering. Make sure to remove the roots, and if there are any seeds, try to contain them to avoid millions of baby weeds popping up in your beds and lawn next season when it’s time for the seeds to germinate. Spot mulch as needed to help suppress regrowth.

Replace Annuals

Those annuals flowers that looked so beautiful and lush in spring and early summer have likely started to fade. When possible, cut back vigorous growth on your foliage and vining selections, and deadhead flowering varieties to encourage new blooms. You may opt to remove spring bloomers altogether to make room for summer-to-fall flowering varieties. If you decide to plant new annuals, make sure you choose varieties that will endure the heat of summer and the cooler temperatures of fall, like wave petunias, celosia, marigolds, osteospermum, calibrachoa and verbena. Even a few replacements will make a difference in your late summer beds and containers.

Perennial Perfection

Many perennial selections are at their peak this time of year, particularly those that attract birds and pollinators like black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, lobelia, agastache, sedums and even herbs. Deadhead and maintain summer perennials to ensure a long and healthy bloom season, even into fall. August is a great time to divide varieties like hosta, daylilies, ornamental grasses and iris. Simply dig up the entire plant, use a sharp garden knife or spade to divide into three to four smaller plants, and replant the divisions back into the garden. Or you can always share with a neighbor.

Visit your local garden center to check out new perennial varieties in stock. This time of year, you can find outstanding selections that are hardy, drought tolerant, colorful, attract pollinators, and will last for the rest of the growing season to provide that much desired four-season interest.

Water Thirsty Trees and Shrubs

Although evergreen trees and shrubs seem hardy, they suffer from drought conditions just like their leafy deciduous cousins. Have you ever noticed a beautiful arborvitae suddenly turn brown and quickly die? It’s most likely due to lack of water in the summertime. Take care of your evergreen screening plants and ornamentals by ensuring they have plenty of water. Evening is the best time for watering. Talk to your local garden center expert for more watering tips to keep your plants healthy and happy.

Still Have Time For A Few More Tasks?

Repot houseplants into a larger container with fresh soil. They will most likely reward you with some shiny new growth and maybe even some blooms. Inspect your established trees and shrubs for scale and other insect pests or fungal disease. Curled or spotty leaves, white specks on bark, and yellowing or discoloration in general are signs that your plant may be in distress. Document the changes and speak to your local garden center expert to determine a culprit and plan of action. And as always, if you prefer to laze the last few days of summer away in your pool or barbecuing with friends, call your favorite landscaping company and let them take care of the maintenance for you!

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