Weekend garden chores
Don't kid yourself! It isn't fall yet!
There are plenty of 90-degree, 90-percent humidity days left. So when you head out into the garden to take up your August chores, drink plenty of water and watch out for the heat and the bugs.
Here's what should be on your list of things to do:
- Now is a good time to evaluate your garden and make notes for changes in the fall or next spring.
- It is also time to order garlic and spring bulbs.
- Stop fertilizing and pruning shrubs. You don't want to encourage new growth now.
- Divide and transplant poppies, iris and daylilies.
- Water, water, water. And check for signs of pests.
- Deadhead perennials and cut back spent foliage so your garden can continue to look good.
- Add some fall-blooming perennials to the garden now.
- Plan now to aerate, fertilize and seed your lawn this fall.
- Learn how to harvest and save seeds for next year's garden.
- Plant fall crocuses and colchicums as soon as bulbs are available.
- Cut back herbs for a second flush of growth or harvest them and dry them for storage.
Comments
Hi Susan
I had to tell myself the same. I know better. This happens every year.
Heading out to take my daughter to school in the morning, it was so cool and really did feel like fall. The afternoon when I sat in the parking lot to pick her up, it was 101 degrees.
I believe we're all just ready for things to cool down and get a little quieter after all the tasks of Summer. However, as you point out, there's still plenty to do.
Thank you. Am enjoying your blog.
Thank you Steve.-- Susan
Posted by: Steve | August 27, 2010 9:24 AM