Things to Do in August
- WATERING - Remember to give a thorough soaking when
you
water shrubs, flowers, or lawns. Frequent sprinklings can do
more harm than good. You want to encourage the growth of a deep
root system.
When watering shrubs during dry periods of
summer and fall, be sure to apply enough water so moisture will
move downward to the root system. It is helpful to make a 3-4"
mound of soil about 18-24" outward from shrubs. Let
water flood inside mound and soak downward to roots. If you use
overhead irrigation on shrubs apply water at some time other than
late afternoon because prolonged moisture on leaves overnight
encourages disease growth.
- MULCHING - Mulching of shrubs and young trees can
be very
important in hot, dry weather. Shallow roots are protected from
the sun, moisture is conserved, and weeds and grasses are
controlled
with a good mulch. A 3-4" layer of pine straw, oak leaves,
pine bark, hardwood mulch, or leaf mold will help to grow strong,
healthy plants.
- TRANSPLANT IRIS AND DAYLILY - August is a good
month in
which to transplant iris and daylily. By doing so now, new
transplants will have time to become well established before cold
weather.
- JAPANESE BEETLES AND OTHER WHITE GRUBS - Late
August/early
September is the optimal time for control with soil insecticides
since grubs are still small and are close to the surface.
Oftanol is recommended since it does not kill earthworms, but
diazinon may be used also. Both must be watered in well.
- STIMULATE WISTERIA - If you have a wisteria vine
that has
declined in flowering the last few years, the trouble could be
excessive vegetative growth. Wisteria may be induced to bloom
more freely if rampant growth is stopped now. Cut back runners
and root-prune with a sharp spade. Insert the blade to its full
depth in a semi-circle about 6' from the main stem of
established plants.
- TAKE SOIL SAMPLES NOW before seeding and
fertilizing
lawns.
- PRUNING SHRUBS AND TREES -This is the time many
homeowners
discover that the bush is covering the front window. But late
summer pruning should be avoided. It can stimulate new growth
which will not have sufficient time to harden off before cold
weather. Late January and early February is the best time for
major pruning, but dead or diseased wood may be removed at any
time of the year. If you cannot tolerate the blocked front
window, prune as little as you can and do a major pruning next
February. Better yet, replace the bush with one whose mature
size will not reach the window.
Last revised April 7, 1998
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