"August, the month that brims with the ripest fruits of labor, where diligent hands and nature's touch unite in a flourishing symphony." - Unknown
As the summer heat reaches its peak, August calls for dedicated care and attention to both yourself and your garden. Water becomes vital, and nurturing your plants becomes a top priority. Take advantage of the long, warm days to enjoy the fruits of your labor and make the most of the bountiful harvests. Let’s dive into our August gardening checklist and nurture nature’s abundance.
Assessing your Garden’s Performance
- August is an ideal time to assess your garden. Take note of which plants are thriving, which plants may need to be relocated, which plants didn’t meet expectations, as well as those that may need to be replaced. Plan to stop in and explore Flowerland for inspiration and new plant options.
- Review care instructions for plants that didn’t meet expectations. Make sure they are receiving the right amount of sun, water, and plant food.
- Document your observations and take photos to guide future plantings and care routines.
Early August Tasks
- Trim back tired plants that have finished blooming for the year, promoting tidiness and encouraging new growth.
- Stay ahead of weed growth by pulling them before they go to seed, saving you time and effort later on.
- Fertilize your plants for the last time this year, opting for a fertilizer with a higher component of phosphorus or potassium to support overall plant health.
- Prolong the bloom time of perennials by deadheading spent blossoms and maintaining the garden’s visual appeal.
- Remove any plants heavily affected by insects or diseases to prevent further spread.
Mid August Tasks
- August and September are the ideal time to seed, re-seed or add sod to your lawn. Prepare your lawn by eliminating weeds or unwanted vegetation followed by tilling or core aeration. Flowerland’s knowledgeable staff can help you pick out the most suitable grass seed for your space.
- Refresh your flower beds and containers by adding some fall color with garden mums and fall annuals.
- Continue feeding and watering your vegetable garden as you prepare for harvesting.Your tomatoes and cucumbers will thank you.
Late August Tasks
- Harvest flowers for drying by tying bunches together and hanging them upside down in a cool, dry place.
- Consider transplanting and dividing most perennials, ensuring the weather has cooled down slightly.
- Continue harvesting crops as they ripen for maximum flavor and an ongoing harvest.
- Prepare for a fall harvest by planting cool-season crops like radish, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
- Thin seedlings as directed on seed packages to provide adequate spacing for healthy growth.
- Regularly monitor your garden for signs of insect or disease problems, taking prompt action to address them.
- Water your garden during dry conditions to keep plants hydrated, and maintain weed control to minimize competition for nutrients and moisture.
August is the Month to Celebrate your Garden Rewards
Remember, August is a time to celebrate the rewards of your hard work and cherish the bountiful gifts that nature has bestowed upon your garden. Take a moment to savor the flavors of freshly harvested produce, and immerse yourself in the beauty and abundance of this vibrant season. Nurturing your garden is not only about tending to plants. It is also about nurturing your own soul and finding solace in the embrace of nature’s wonders.
