AUGUST

Plant fall crocuses now and crown imperials from now until October.

Add several inches of mulch to Asiatic lilies

• This will keep the roots cool, protect them from heat and deter weed growth.

Lay the finished flower stalks of foxglove on the ground where you want new plants to grow or sprinkle the seeds from the dried pods.

Continue to keep the soil around your Shasta daisies and ferns moist but not wet

• Ferns may become dormant if they get too dry.

Renew annuals by pinching leggy growth and deadheading. 

• Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion to encourage blooms through the Fall.

Continue to prune perennials to keep in a desired space and for air circulation.

Pick fresh flowers for indoors

• This will also encourage more blooms on most perennials.

Sow seeds for next summer's bloom (Hollyhocks, Poppies, Larkspurs, Shasta Daisies, Columbine, Purple Coneflower, Cardinal Flower)

Keep the grass short around your fruit trees; grass deprives the trees of nitrogen.

No fertilizing necessary this month.

Trees and shrubs should not be pruned after August 15th.

Gather herbs for drying as they mature

• Pinch the stems of basil regularly to prevent flowering, and harvest about once a week. 

Harvest sweet corn by pulling and twisting downwards.

Bend over the tops of your cooking onions to prepare for lifting them.

Harvest peas and broad beans before pods get tough.

Harvest cucumbers as they mature. 

Start seeds for fall and winter vegetables now.

Remove suckers and old canes from blackberries and raspberries as they appear

• Harvest berries when they fall off easily.

Water blueberries often during hot weather.

Remove all but two runners on strawberry plants. Strawberries will benefit from a feeding of nitrogen at this time. 

Cut your lawn and trim the edges regularly.

Watch out for yellow patches, leaf curl or poor growth; increase watering if you notice these signs.

Continue to water outdoor container plants daily, as needed

• Make sure you have provided adequate drainage.

Water according to the weather; water in early morning to prevent mildew.

Don't forget to moisten your compost regularly to prevent flies from breeding in it.

Deep watering is essential this month if drought conditions exist.