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"Eighth Month of the Year"
(by Phyllis Hays - August 14, 2006)
"Eighth Month of the Year"
August is a time for picnics and barbeques, trips to the beach, and family
gatherings. But for the devoted gardener, summer offers little rest from
routine chores. Here are a few items for the August gardening calendar:
Lawn Care:
Mid-August through mid-September is the best time to establish new lawns.
Soil temperatures are still warm enough to get good germination.
Perennials, Annuals and Bulbs:
Continue routine maintenance on annual flowers to keep plants productive for
the rest of the season. Deadhead spent blooms, water during dry spells and
fertilize at the same time. Azaleas, rhododendron and other acid-loving
plants need to be fertilized one more time before the end of August.
Shrubs and Trees:
August is a month of ³do nots² for tree and shrub care. Do not fertilize,
do not prune. Pruning and fertilizing in late summer may stimulate new
growth that may not harden off properly for winter. Wait until October to
do these chores.
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