Welcome to August, gardeners! August marks the last full month of summer gardening. Next month we’ll be transitioning our Utah gardens to prepare for fall but for now, let’s enjoy the season!
“It was August and the fields were high with corn. In the orchard, the last of the peaches clung to their branches and the apples were showing their first pinkish blush. The vegetable garden overflowed with produce: peppers, green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash.”
~ Melanie Gideon, Valley of the Moon
Check these August gardening tips off your to-do lists. If you missed our tips last month, you can find them here.
Trees and Shrubs
July and August are notorious for pest infestations. Be on the lookout!
Check out the archive of our conversation with James Batton, a locally-famed arborist, about how and when to treat pests on your trees and shrubs. Lots of great info!
Most commonly you will find:
- Aphids
- Mites
- Earwigs
- Grasshoppers
Consider waiting to use pesticides to treat pests. Most leaf pests will not be terminal for the tree.
Sometimes treating the tree in these hot dry temperatures will be more harmful to its overall health than the pests are.
If the pests do need to be treated, make sure to use a pesticide specifically labeled for what you are targeting.
Keep your trees healthy and make sure they are getting enough water in this heat. But also be sure not to overwater them! Tree roots need oxygen just as much as they need water. The recommended method is to hand water (deep soak) newly planted trees and shrubs 2 to 3 times per week and fully established plants 2 to 3 times per month.
Check out our watering guide for more tips.
Related Reading: How Trees Can Help with a Waterwise Landscape
Flowers
“We should enjoy this summer, flower by flower, as if it were to be the last one we’ll see.” – Andre Gide
Much like in July, keep up the weed control in your flower gardens! It’s much easier to weed a little every day than to deal with weeds that have gone to seed and spread.
Mark your Calendar: the last fertilization on roses should be around mid-August.
August is also a great time to divide and transplant your irises.
Related Reading: A Rose by Any Other Name
Lawn Care
We all know how hot and dry it has been and we’re sure your lawn is feeling it too! Check your sprinklers for damaged heads and adjust watering cycles for the hot temperatures. Make sure to keep an eye on local watering guidelines, for reference on what is needed for your area.
Watch out for brown patches on your lawn. They may be a sign of insects and disease – such as grubs. If it’s needed, treat them. You can also fertilize your lawn as necessary.
We know it’s a pain, but make sure you are keeping your lawn weeds in check too!
ICYMI: Last month we featured four of our favorite products that will keep your lawn healthy and green all while using less water. Find those here and consider giving them a try.
Enjoy the month of August gardeners and check back next month for September tips! For more pointers, check out our Seasonal Tips page.
