August, 2017
HAVE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO ENJOY YOUR GARDEN… It’s like that garden bench nestled in the shade that we never use, because we are always puttering in our gardens. Yes, for many of us, gardening is our therapy, but it’s also important to take some time to simply relax in this wonderful space you have created. If you have yet to indulge, invite over a few friends for Happy Hour, sit back, and relax, at least for a few moments. We never do this enough. Ignore the weeds you have yet to pull. They’ll still be there tomorrow, and no one else will notice. Summer is my favorite time to invite folks over for dining al fresco, and watching the day change into night. It doesn’t get much better than that.
DO YOU HAVE ANNUALS IN CONTAINERS?…These plantings will benefit from an application of Miracle Gro or Jack’s Classic 1x per week, as well as some water on a daily basis. Most only need 1x per day. If you have hanging baskets, they may need water 2x per day. They lose so much moisture due to exposure on all sides.
PLANTING IN AUGUST?…Only plant something new in August if you plan to be around to care for the new plants. For most of us, it’s best to hold off until September.
PLAN FOR YOUR FALL PLANTING NOW…Fall (Sept – Nov) is one of the best times to plant. I recommend placing your orders now before the nurseries sell out of that special plant you want. If ordering from a catalog, make sure to specify NO DELIVERY BEFORE SEPTEMBER. If spring flowering bulbs are on your list, many suppliers are offering discounts if you order now.
WEEDING AND WATERING… Just do the best you can. It’s tough to be motivated when it’s in the 90’s with high humidity.
The DROUGHT… will probably arrive in August, and we will all need to watch our water consumption. The rain we’ve been enjoying lately has helped, but much has simply run off without absorbing into the soil. I know most of us have learned to avoid watering in the evening to avoid mold and mildew developing on the foliage. When we experience extreme heat, sometimes an evening watering is actually the best way to go. At least the water will have a chance to soak into the soil without immediate evaporation by the sun. I frequently water between 6p-10p. If you have a timer, you can water at 3 or 4am. Remember, a thorough soaking for 15 – 30 minutes 2 times per week is much better than a brief spritz daily.
HAVE A NICE SUMMER, AND ENJOY YOUR GARDENS.
