Tom’s August Tips

1. Continue to monitor rainfall. Keep plants well watered during times of heat and drought, especially newly planted trees and shrubs.
2. Continue removing faded flowers on roses, annuals and perennials. Pinch back leggy growth.
3. Don’t fertilize woody plants now. New growth will not have time to harden off before winter.
4. Mid-August through Mid-September is an ideal time to establish a new lawn or seed in bare spots.
5. Cut flowers during the coolest part of the day.
6. Late summer or early autumn is the best time to divide perennials that bloom in the spring and summer.
7. In hot weather, water container plants more often.
8. Plant Peonies at the end of the month through October.
9. Start cuttings of herbs to growing in a sunny windowsill during the winter.
10. Order spring flowering bulbs to plant this fall.
11. Remember to photograph gardens for winter planning.