Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Month of August Gardening Tips

Don't Prune Woody Plants After August:

As trees and shrubs head into fall, they begin a hardening process that is necessary for their protection during the winter months. Deciduous plants begin to shed leaves, stems become more woody, and the seasonal growth on evergreens develops a protective coating in an effort to conserve moisture and resist cold temperatures. When plants are pruned during the growing season, new growth is stimulated just below the pruning cuts at leaf nodes. New growth initiated later in the season doesn't have a chance to harden off properly, and is vulnerable to frost damage.

Don't Fertilize Woody Plants After August:

Fertilizer with a moderate to high nitrogen content can stimulate an abundance of new growth that is too succulent to withstand the cold. When this new growth is damaged, it opens the plant to more serious injuries and dieback, which you don't want. Depending upon your climate, stop cutting and fertilizing in early fall - usually at least six to eight weeks before your first frost date. You can get local frost date info from your Cooperative Extension Service

Assistance from Garden Guides

This month in many regions can experience low amounts of rainfall. Check your plants daily, including potted containers, especially during bright sunny and windy times. Soil can lose its moisture amazingly quickly. One day of severe drying can lead to leaf drop, yellowing, wilt, distortion of new growth, abortion of flower and buds and even plant death.

Test for coolness and moisture to a depth of one to three inches below the soil surface. Slow dripping water technique is preferred over quick heavy waterings, since it enables water to seep deeper into the root area and not merely flood the upper soil. Soaker hoses are widely available and with their use, watering may be done less frequently.

When leaving your lawn and gardens for a time away [as a vacation, even long weekend] can lead to damage without supervision. Ask a neighbor's assistance in checking watering need every other day until you return. One cannot predict the weather during your absence.