Question: We just moved to Southern California and are excited to get started in our backyard landscape. At this time of the year (August) what do we plant, prune, fertilize and mulch? Shannon, Oceanside, California
Answer: Shannon, the time (August) we remind Southland gardeners that this is the month for sowing sweet peas and garden peas. Both can stand manure deep in the trench and bonemeal on top, worked in and thoroughly watered. Put in autumn crocuses. Keep azaleas watered for much of their early spring beauty depends on the care you give them now. Don’t let chrysanthemums dry out and keep the foliage healthy by hosing it off. Give a mulch of compost, bean straw or manure to roses and pet shrubs. Train new canes on climbing roses.
