August

Gardening Tasks Reminder

Fertilize mums and dahlias for good bloom in cooler weather. If azaleas look pale and yellow, check the soil Ph. If Ph is below 6.0, add sulfur to lower the PH, increasing acidity. Revitalize annuals with a spray of liquid fertilizer. Apply second fertilizer to strawberries. Continue fertilizing roses each 5 to 6 weeks. Time to put a side-dressing of fertilizer on tomatoes. Discontinue fertilization of flowering shrubs, including azaleas.

W ater:

Water plants deeply and early in the morning. If it has not rained recently, remember plants need 1 1/2 to 2 inches of water each week during hot weather. Water turf twice weekly for a total of 2 inches. Keep spring planted trees and shrubs well watered by soaking every three to five days.

Remember to water compost during dry periods.

Before watering, run all the hot water from the hose to keep from scalding plants. Irrigation systems tend to water only the top few inches unless properly timed. Soak trees and other mature plants deeply during the hot, dry weeks of August.

M ulch:

Check the level of mulch on beds. Heat and moisture allow soil bacteria and fungi to break down mulching materials. Beds need 2 to 3 inches of mulch to combat the heat and drought. Do not apply mulch up against trunks and stems.

P rune:

To prolong harvest of herbs, do not let the plants flower. Continue to disbud dahlias for long stems and bigger blossoms. Cut back roses. Prune out old canes to force new growth. Continue dead-heading perennials and annuals for longer blooming period.

P lant:

Sow seeds of perennials, bi-annuals and cool-season annuals such as pansy, poppy, foxglove, wall flower, Sweet William and many more. Most wildflowers can be planted now. Cover the seed lightly and keep constantly moist using a fine spray. It may be wise to cover or shade the seeds and seedlings during the hottest part of the day. Covers also keep birds and other wildlife from eating the seeds. After the weather cools, remove the shade to harden off the plants for winter.

Plant beets, broccoli, carrots, potatoes, lettuce and other cool season crops now. Refer to Fact Sheet #6009, and to Sue Gray's article on this web site, for fall planting guides. Soak vegetable seeds overnight prior to planting. Once planted, cover with compost to prevent soil crusting.

Continue planting zinnias early in the month.

P ests:

Hot, dry weather encourages red spider mites. If you aren't sure the pest is on your plant, place a sheet of white paper under the plant and shake. If you see little bugs crawling, you have spider mites! These pests can destroy a plant quickly. A good strong spray from the water hose every 3 to 5 days will discourage these pests. Apply chemicals if necessary. Master Gardeners at 746-3701 will be happy to answer questions concerning which chemical spray to use.

Phlox and Crape Myrtle are prone to powdery mildew in this weather. Spray with fungicide. Discourage mildew by watering early in the day. Let plants go into the night dry. Practice good sanitation. Rake up infected leaves and put in the trash. Fungus is harbored in mulch and debris.

Late summer is also an active time for household pests such as ants, pantry pests, roaches and crickets. Call the Master Gardener office or check Fact Sheet 7312 for tips on control.

Apply a pre-emergence herbicide such as Balan for lawn weed control. Several other types of weed control are on the market, some costing more. Usually the more expensive brands are active for a longer period of time.

Watch for populations of caterpillars, aphids, thrips, scale and other insects on plants. Treat as needed. Master Gardeners at 746-3701 will be happy to advise on the proper chemical to apply to your particular plant. Be sure to follow label directions anytime you are using chemicals.

Continue spraying roses with a fungicide to curtail black spot.

T ips:

August is a hard month for gardeners and their gardens. Keep up the watering and weeding early in the morning. Try to enjoy the fruits of your previous work. Colorful annuals such as zinnias, marigolds, salvia, lantana and crape myrtle are particularly rewarding this month.
Divide and replant spring blooming perennials such as iris, peonies, and daylilies. Keep Caladiums showy by removing spent leaves and flower buds when they appear.
Harvest statice, strawflower, yarrow and other ever-lastings now for use in indoor wreathes, and arrangements. Pick blossoms in the morning when they are at their freshest.

Contact the Master Gardeners at the Tulsa County Extension for more information.

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Date Modified:Monday, 26-Oct-2009 17:41:56 EDT

Saturday, 04-Feb-2012 18:12:58 GMT