Mid Summer Lawn & Garden Checklist

Posted by Jennifer Carles on Saturday, August 25th, 2018 at 2:20 PM
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No one can deny that we are right in the middle of the “dog days of summer,” the hottest time of the year here in North Texas. Everything but the mosquitoes and locusts seem lethargic and the sun seems to bake lawns and gardens. However, there is plenty to do in the garden in August, although it is best done in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are more comfortable. Check out these suggestions for tasks around your yard and garden this month:

Lawn Maintenance and Preparation

• Aerate your lawn and dethatch it.
• If there is plenty of rainfall, fertilize your lawn. If there is not- DON’T.
• To help your grass beat the heat and reduce lawn maintenance, keep your lawn mower blade on the highest setting. Don’t worry if parts of your yard turn brown this time of year – it happens.

Annuals and Perennials

• Trim and fertilize your containers – they still have time for another show in the fall.
• Deal with pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites with a spray of water from the hose.
• Treat diseased plants, and remove diseased foliage before leaves drop.
• Continue deadheading (remove faded flowers) for prolific bloomers, shear them lightly to encourage more blooms.

Vegetables and Herbs

• Cut herbs to dry or freeze for winter use.
• Fall vegetable and herb seeds or starters can be planted now.  Consider spinach, radishes, carrots, beets, lettuce, overwintering onions, kale, kohlrabi, rutabagas, turnips, dill, cilantro, parsley, and chives.

Shrubs and Trees

• Pick up and destroy fallen fruit from fruit trees to limit insect infestations.
• Make sure newly planted shrubs and trees get plenty of water.

Maintainance

• Early morning is the best time to water – target plants directly, and water deeply. Avoid getting leaves wet in the hot sun, and avoid soaking containers during the hottest part of the day – both of these can burn plants.
• Keep close watch on your birdbath, water features, and hummingbird feeder – take steps to correct or avoid mold, stagnation, and mosquito larvae.
• Continue weeding, to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
• When the temperature is over 85 degrees, avoid chemical applications such as fertilizer, fungicide, or insecticide.
• Add compost and mulch to keep your garden cool and to prepare for fall planting.

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