August Maintenance

August Maintenance Guide

GARDENING WITH CONFIDENCE™

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

Mid-Atlantic Region

INTRO

August is the test month of a gardener. If you can make it through August, you can make it anywhere. Except for going after some weeds, it’s best to stay on the porch sipping some tea. While you are relaxing, make a note of what did well and what didn’t. Remind yourself of your poor performers now so that you are not tempted by their pretty faces next year.

BULBS

It’s not too late to put in your fall bulb order.

ANNUALS

There is still time to sow more zinnias. The nectar-rich flowers will be welcomed by the butterflies in the fall garden.

Plan to plant or moved summer flowering bulbs as the end of the summer season approaches. August is a good time to plant or move amaryllis, Crocosmia, iris, and lily.

PERENNIALS

This is definitely not a good time to plant perennials.

TREES AND SHRUBS

This is definitely not a good time to trees or shrubs.

ROSES

Ugh, no doubt the Japanese beetles are still around. Continue to pick off a drop into soapy water or for those less squeamish, pluck and squeeze – take that!

Plan, don’t plant roses now. Do look around and see varieties you might like to add next year. Choosing roses in bloom takes the mystery out of the difference catalogues depict.

HERBS

Remember to keep basil flowers pinched and to pick basil for use in pesto, sandwiches, and other culinary uses.

VEGETABLES

WATERWISE

W A T E R W I S E Gardening

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES

Check the mulch – wind, rain, consumption may have lessened the depth, thus lessening the effectiveness. If the mulch in the beds is less than an inch, add more.

Alas, the weeds are still trudging along. Try the early morning or later in the evening to weed. Best to say out of the heat of the day, most of us are just not as productive in the heat. Ideally, the best time to weed is right after a rain. But with little rain this month, it makes the task all the harder. However, weeds never sleep, remove them if you can.

GARDEN PESTS

Bagworms abound! Bagworms can be treated with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or handpick and drop into a bucket of soapy water.

WILDLIFE

Did you know that Hummingbirds are Native Americans? A ruby-throated hummingbird weighs only 3 grams – that’s 1/10th the weight of a first-class letter. The following is a list of a few flowers Hummingbirds love:

Agapanthus

Allium

Agapanthus

Bee Balm

Cannas

Honeysuckle

Rosemary

Sage

Trumpet Vine

Petunias

Salvias

Helen Yoest is a garden writer, speaker and garden coach through her business Gardening with Confidence™.