As we wrap up the end of August, we should for the most part be able to simply sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Yes, there are still beans to pick, cucumbers to pickle, zucchini to put on the neighbor’s front porch when they are at work, flowers to harvest for dining room bouquets, and of course watering. But certainly, there is not the intensity of gardening chores that we face in the spring of the year. That being said, there are a few tasks that will go a long way in improving our gardens immediately and far into the future. Here are a few things that come to mind…
WATERING: While many plants will “survive” our dry summers all on their own, they will look a whole lot happier and healthier if we give them a nice little drink now and then. Specifically trees and shrubs, that are not currently getting water from lawn or flower bed sprinklers, will show a whole new lease on life if we give them even one heavy soaking this time of year. Soaker hoses or drip lines will work best as they typically apply one gallon of water per hour, so leave them on for several hours (or even 24 hours) to get 18 to 24 inches penetration.
PLANT LATE BLOOMING PERENNIALS: If your garden has finished blooming for the season, you really need to visit the garden center to discover the many options available. Perennials planted now will get established before the winter and take off like a rocket come springtime. This is also a good time to divide any bloomed-out perennials, if you want to spread them around the garden or share them with friends. Don’t forget that any time you plant, always work into the soil some compost and fertilizer.
CONTAINERS: Keep feeding them with a soluble fertilizer, like Sea-Gro, but plan on changing their plants out in the next 4 to 6 weeks.
LAWNS: Don’t wait for Mother Nature to resurrect your lawn. Help the process along with some supplemental water and a bit of food. September is the perfect month to aerate, dethatch, reseed or start all over. Working on your lawn now will make a huge difference come springtime.
BULBS: As crazy as it might sound, this is the month that spring-blooming bulbs arrive at the garden center. Tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, and many other minor perennial bulbs are all available to plant now. Buy them as soon as you see them for the best selection, but wait until it cools down to plant them.
VEGGIES: As you harvest your summer veggies, work some more compost and fertilizer into the soil before replanting with some fall crops. The Botanical Interest Seeds company offers 10 varieties of veggies that will mature from seed within 60 days, which is plenty of time for us northwest gardeners. You can also plant transplants, which speeds the process up a bit too. If you are not going to plant a fall garden, then at least spread a layer of compost over the soil to keep the weeds down.
DEADHEADING: For a tidy yard and some repeat blooms, deadhead all flowering plants like roses, annuals, and perennials. If you prefer the wild look, let your plants set some seeds for the birds to feast on during the winter and a few new seedlings in the spring.
DISEASES AND INSECTS: Mildew is inevitable in the fall, but you can delay it with a couple of preventative sprays - if applied in the next couple of weeks. Controlling insects now, like Azalea lace bugs and slugs, will keep their populations down come spring.
Hopefully these few tasks do not feel overwhelming, but instead leave you feeling empowered to accomplish them in the next few weeks, thus keeping the magic going in your garden and helping you to continue to enjoy this sport we call “gardening”. It’s good for the body, mind, and soul!
