In the Garden with Rick...
August Gardening Tasks
Summer is in full swing and watering will likely be the biggest focus this month in the garden. By now, the hard work of planting flowers and vegetables, pruning and prepping trees and bushes is done. Our below average rainfall makes “smart watering” even more crucial than ever. Not only does proper watering conserve a precious resource, but can also lower your water bill. Follow these tasks this month to ensure a beautiful fall garden.
- Water during morning or evening only. Doing so reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation. Watering early in the day is preferable because wet foliage from evening watering makes plants susceptible to fungal diseases.
- Don’t over irrigate – probe twice, water once. A soil probe can determine if watering is actually needed or not.
- Place mulch around trees, shrubs and plants. Mulch slows evaporation, reducing plants’ water needs.
- Use a nozzle hose faucet, a water timer and the proper sprinkler and only water what needs to be watered by controlling the coverage area.
- Don’t feed the weeds as this can cause constant weed problems. Drip irrigation systems direct water at the plants you want to survive while depriving the weeds.
- Take a few minutes to dead-head the spent
flowers on plants. A little time grooming the plants will make a significant difference in the overall appearance of the garden. Removing the spent flowers will help plants flower longer instead of going into the seed-producing stage.
- In very hot weather, check container plants every day. Check an inch or two into the soil to be sure there is adequate moisture throughout the root area and water thoroughly each time you water. Don’t forget hanging baskets: Be mindful that they dry out very quickly due to the wind.
- Change the water regularly and keep your bird bath filled. Standing water is unhealthy for the birds and may be a breeding ground for mosquito larvae.
- Start envisioning the big picture of your garden. Fall is the best time of the year to plant trees, bushes and perennials. And get your fall vegetable garden started!
- To help with water conservation, try these two new useful water saving products: AquaTimer Watering Timer - Automatic daily watering without complicated programming. This easy-to-use electronic timer works with low-pressure drip and soaker hoses. Or, turn it on and off like a faucet. (Sku 7183205, 23.99). And the Soaker Tree Ring – made from recycled rubber, is great for trees and shrubs. (Sku 7188022, 8.49).
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