LENOIR, NC (August 1, 2018) — Here are the August Gardening Tips from the Caldwell County Cooperative Extension Center.
Plants in Flower
- Crapemyrtle, Rose-of-Sharon, Peegee Hydrangea, Abelia, Canna, Dahlia, Trumpet Creeper, Cardinal Flower, Butterfly Weed, Phlox, Cleome, Hosta, Liriope and summer annuals
Fertilizing
- Strawberries will benefit from a feeding of nitrogen fertilizer this month.
- Do NOT fertilize shrubs in August, September, October or November.
Planting
- Plant pansy seed this month in flats for planting in the landscape in September.
- Spider lily (lycoris), colchicum (autumn crocus) and sternbergia bulbs should be planted in August.
- Sow seed of the following perennials: hollyhock, delphinium and stokesia to produce healthy plants for next spring.
- Continue repotting house plants.
- Divide and transplant cannas. liriope, and Ajuga.
- Plant the following fall vegetable plants this month: beets, Chinese cabbage, cucumber, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustard, radish, rutabaga, spinach, squash and turnip.
Pruning
- Do not prune shrubs in August, September, or October.
- Remove dead heads in garden to stimulate blooming.
- Remove dead and damaged wood from trees.
Spraying
- Spray the following landscape shrubs for the following insect pests: arborvitae and juniper (spider mites), azalea and pyracantha (lace bug).
- Continue with rose spray program.
- Peach and nectarine trees need a trunk spray for peach tree borers at the end of August.
- Spray the following fall vegetables for insects: broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower (worms), squash (borers).
- Continue weekly sprays on bunch grapes and tree fruits. .
- Control the following woody weeds by spraying them with the recommended herbicide: greenbriar, kudzu, trumpet creeper and wisteria.
Lawn Care
- Treat all lawn areas for grubs. Use the recommended insecticides.
- In late August, prepare the lawn areas for seeding if you plan to have a tall fescue or bluegrass lawn.
Propagation
- Cuttings of your favorite shrubs can still be taken in August.
Specific Chores
- If you are planning to do some fall landscape planting, be sure you have a planting plan prepared.
- Continue watering favorite landscape plants and your vegetable garden if dry weather persists.
- Begin the construction of a compost bin.
- Dig Irish potatoes this month.
- Turn your compost pile.
- Make sure azaleas stay well-watered because they are forming next year’s flower buds.
Click on the following link to print out the August Gardening Tips
August Gardening Tips from the CCCEC