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Master Gardenersm Column for the Week of August 22, 2005
Judy Koehly
Brunswick County Extension Master Gardenersm Volunteer

AUGUST GARDENING

Pay attention to the heat index and enjoy your garden behind a window in an air-conditioned room during the heat of the day. Most garden chores are best done in the early morning or early evening. When you are in your garden stay in the shady areas and bring water or a sports drink with you. Be sure to protect yourself from insect bites. Mosquito repellants that contain Deet will keep the insects away and will not harm you. As you are tending your garden empty any saucers or containers that have accumulated water to prevent more mosquitoes from hatching.

There are lots of pests around in August so keep a sharp eye out for them. Before applying any pesticide it is extremely important to correctly identify the culprit. If you are not absolutely certain what pest is creating the problem in the garden bring the little critter to the Cooperative Extension Service for a positive ID.

It is not always obvious what is causing the problem. You have an insect infestation, a viral disease, or a fungus. Bring a large sample of the damaged plant (the entire plant, roots and all if the plant is a goner anyway). Bring along a healthy section as well as the damaged area. Once you have a positive ID you can proceed with the recommended treatment.

When applying pesticides during the heat of the summer you must be careful not to do more damage. Never spray pesticides on a drought-stressed plant or the chemicals can burn the dry foliage. Water the plants before you spray and spray only when the temperature is below 85 degrees. Do the spraying in the early evening to avoid killing the beneficial insects.

If you keep suet available in the feeder with plenty of seed and fresh water you will attract insect eating birds to help you win the fight. Red flowers and all tubular shaped flowers attract hummingbirds that also feed on insects as well as the nectar. The pests to look for this month are: aphids, cucumber beetles, flea beetles, spider mites, squash bugs, squash vine borers, spittlebugs, thrips, and white flies. But remember that most garden bugs are good for the garden--get to know them!

Continue to water deeply twice a week to keep plants healthy and hydrated. It is most important to draw the roots down with deep watering. Keep an eye on your container plants as pots dry out quickly in the heat. Postpone any transplanting that you wish to do until fall if at all possible. If you must move a plant water it well and often and provide temporary shade for a couple of days.

Root prune any large shrubs that will be transplanted in November. Do not fertilize shrubs in August or prune after August 15, so that they will be ready to tolerate the colder temperatures this winter. Weed seeds germinate faster when the weather is hot so you must keep after them on a regular basis.

Now is a good time to take hardwood cuttings from favorite rose plants. The cuttings should be 8 to 10 inches long. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Use a tool or a stick to make a hole in a pot of potting mix and place the cutting in the prepared hole. Keep the pot moist and in a shady spot. You will eventually be rewarded with a new rose bush!

You can sow summer flower seeds now for blooms this fall. Directly sowing seeds is the easiest way to get inexpensive color. For best results prepare your soil first by loosening up the soil, make sure you have a well-drained, fertile area and water available. You can sow seeds of broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, mustard, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips directly into the garden. Light shade can be provided with old window screens.

Send your gardening questions or comments to: Brunswick County Master Gardener Column, P.O. Box 109, Bolivia, NC 28422, or call (910) 253-2610. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting information or a reply. Answers may be printed in this column.

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

For further information or assistance, please e-mail:
Charlie Spencer, Brunswick County Extension Master GardenersmVolunteer

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URL Address: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick/


Date Created 8/15/2005