August may well be dubbed “Lily month” in the garden since the heaviest blooming period of some of the new garden aristocrats comes during this month.
On the other hand, those that flowered during June and July need attention to ensure the next season’s bloom. In addition, many incidental chores need to be taken care of during this last month of hot and sometimes humid weather.
The most important things are to water those currently in bloom or lift, divide, and replant those that have made their contribution and are now dormant.
Preparation Month
Bulb literature and bulbs are on the market now for fall planting. Decide on the varieties and order daffodils now, as they should be the first bulbs to be planted.
Choice bulbs and popular varieties are usually in short supply, so order early and avoid disappointment.
This is also true for peonies – order them now for planting next month. Do not divide old clumps of peonies unless they have ceased to bloom or for some other necessary reason.
Be extremely careful when cutting back peony stems; do not cover them with soil. Pill bugs can invade the tuberous root through the hollow stem and destroy the entire plant.
Allow the foliage to “dry off” naturally for better results. Keep a wary eye for garden litter and keep it cleaned out to prevent infestation of insects and especially fungus diseases – the weather is perfect for spreading both.
Roses
Most rose growers know that August blooms are usually very much below par. The growth rate has slowed considerably, with only an occasional spurt of growth terminated with a short-lived bloom.
The plant would be much better if the buds were kept removed to build up the plant for that all-important bloom display during September and October.
The last feeding should be made by mid-month to stimulate the new growth for early fall and allow sufficient time for the plant to harden for cold weather.
Dusting or Spraying
Be very certain to keep up the dusting and/or spraying (your preference) mainly to keep the black spot under control and any other pests that could so easily flare up now.
Like so many other things in nature, even the pests seem to sense the end of a season and make one last fling to reproduce their kind before the rigors of winter set in.
In doing so, they very quickly gain a foothold and can seriously damage a garden. Therefore, garden sanitation is particularly important for the rose garden during August.
Lawns
August is a perfect lawn month, either for establishing a new lawn or rebuilding an old one. As in any other crop, soil preparation is the real key to success in this operation.
The area to be sodded should be fairly smooth and graded for drainage. Broadcast an all-purpose fertilizer (5-10-5 or 612-6) liberally and turn under.
Use a rototiller-type machine to incorporate the fertilizer smoothly into the soil. This type of machine leaves the soil in almost perfect condition for planting.
A mixture of hulled bermuda and annual Italian ryegrass planted liberally should give a rather quick cover. R
Rolling after planting is very important for the August lawn as the soil must be in contact with the seed to ensure quick germination.
Water With Light Sprays
Water with light (non-washing) sprays continuously to ensure quick germination, and begin mowing as soon as the seedlings are tall enough. This causes the runners’ spreading and the lawn’s thickening to withstand the winter weather.
The rye grass will act as a cover crop during the winter but must be maintained regularly to prevent too much cover or smothering of the small bermuda seedlings. It will also remain green all winter as well as stabilize the soil.
Light Cutting
A light cutting back of most annuals will cause them to put on new growth and bloom again for late color. Gather herbs before the flowers open to prevent them from being too strong and dry, and store them for seasoning.
Pots of chives and parsley can be started and kept in the kitchen window for winter use.
Transplanting
The roots of the Oriental poppies are dormant now and should be transplanted. Plant 2″ inches deep in good soil and do not overwater as rot starts easily with them.
Keep the dahlias mulched, watered, and fertilized to ensure September blooms.
Going On An August Vacation?
Try some of the growth inhibitors to slow down the growth activity while you are away.
For example, the relatively new Maleic Hydrazide, available now as “Stop-Grow,” can be used on grass, especially the edges along drives and flower beds, and effectively slows the growth.
44659 by H Rucker