Autumn is just around the corner – and the big fall push of gardening jobs begins. Why not get an early start during the tranquil days of August? It will lessen the list later.
Where the weather permits color from annuals from December to March, it’s imperative to start the plants now from seed. Or, if you prefer, nursery-grown plants can be purchased next month.
The big jobs now are weeding, watering, and fertilizing.
Root Cuttings of Poppies
Oriental poppies, one of the best of the “easy-to-grow” perennials, can be divided and replanted during August.
An easy way to increase your supply of improved varieties of Oriental poppies is to make root cuttings. Select roots of pencil-diameter size. Then cut them into sections 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, and plant them in a horizontal position in a shallow seed flat or large pot.
Cover the cuttings with about an inch of soil, and keep them moist until the shoots appear above the surface. Pot them individually when they have strong roots (in about 6-8 weeks). They may be planted out in late fall or in early spring.
More Water for Fuchsias
Fuchsias revel in plenty of overhead moisture on the foliage during hot days. A shot of water in the morning and another in early afternoon is not too much. The beautiful hanging basket specimens dry out faster than those growing in the ground. Pick off faded flowers to stop formation of seed pods.
Dahlias in August
Keep your dahlias blooming strongly by removing the weak lateral growth. This keeps them from becoming overcrowded and allows plenty of light and air to reach the centers of the plants. If you did not stake them at planting time, stake the tall varieties now to keep winds from damaging them. Fertilize with a 10-5-5 liquid fish fertilizer or commercial plant food.
Summer Rose Care
Years ago, in Southern California, there was a belief that roses should be allowed to dry out and go dormant in August and September. This was to encourage a big winter crop of blooms. But experts have proven this to be harmful. It’s much better to keep them in good growing condition, by irrigation and feeding, to give them strength to continue. Depending on how mild the winter weather may be, roses can be enjoyed in some areas as much as eight to nine months of the year.
Seeds to Sow Now
Seeds of winter flowers – stocks, snapdragons, calendulus, Iceland poppies, cornflowers – can be planted now. Where soil conditions are good, and near the coast where summers are cool, seed may be sown in open beds; then thin out the plants when they are large enough. But, ordinarily, it is safer to sow the seed in flats or shallow seed pans; transplant to open ground when they are about 2 inches high.
Spray for Black Scale
August is the best time to go after the black scale on shrubs and trees because the newly hatched scales are most easily destroyed. Use a summer oil spray on all parts of the plants. Take the time to do a thorough job. Be sure to spray up, down, and sideways for coverage.
Divide Amaryllis Clumps
Waste no time in dividing overgrown colonies of pink amaryllis after the flowers have faded. The next thirty days are the critical ones. Amaryllis belladonna clumps divided now will recover so that the bulbs can be expected to flower successfully next August; otherwise, when divided out of season, the clumps take two to five years to recover.
Rhododendron Care
During hot August weather, you’ll find morning waterings are best for rhododendrons and camellias. Since they are surface rooters they take lots of water. Keep the soil moist, but never soggy. Gradually diminish the water by late September so the current year’s growth can harden properly.
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