August Garden Tips from Redwood Nursery

As August rolls in, the vibrant colors and lush foliage of your garden are at their peak in the northeast. Redwood Nursery is delighted to provide you with some valuable tips to make the most of this delightful month. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just beginning your green journey, here are some suggestions for each category in your garden:

1. Flowers:

a) Deadheading and Pruning: Regularly deadhead faded blooms from your flowering plants to encourage new growth and prolonged flowering. Prune any overgrown or leggy plants to maintain their shape and vigor.

b) Watering: August can be hot and dry, so ensure your flowering plants receive sufficient water. Water deeply in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation and stress on the plants.

c) Plant Fall Bloomers: Start planning for the fall by planting flowers that bloom in late summer and autumn, such as asters and mums. This will ensure your garden remains colorful even as the season changes.

2. Vegetables:

a) Harvest Regularly: August is the time when many vegetables reach their peak. Harvest ripe produce promptly to encourage continuous growth and prevent plants from becoming overripe.

b) Plant Cool-Season Crops: As the end of summer nears, start sowing cool-season crops like spinach, lettuce, and radishes for a fresh harvest in the fall.

c) Mulch and Watering: Apply a layer of mulch around vegetable plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Maintain consistent watering to prevent stress on the plants during the hot days.

3. Trees & Shrubs:

a) Inspect for Pests: Regularly check your trees and shrubs for any signs of pest infestation or diseases. Early detection can prevent potential damage to your precious plants.

b) Pruning & Maintenance: Prune any dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. Perform necessary maintenance to ensure healthy growth.

c) Mulch: Add a layer of organic mulch around the base of your trees and shrubs to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.

4. Houseplants:

a) Outdoor Vacation: Take advantage of the warm weather and move some of your indoor houseplants outside to enjoy some fresh air. However, be mindful of their light and water requirements.

b) Repotting: If your houseplants have outgrown their current containers, August is a good time to repot them before they settle in for the winter months.

c) Inspect for Pests: While outdoors, keep a close eye on your houseplants for any signs of pests or diseases that may have been acquired indoors.

5. Lawns:

a) Mowing: Keep your lawn at a higher mowing height to protect the grass from the summer heat. Taller grass blades shade the soil, reducing evaporation.

b) Watering: Lawns may start showing signs of stress during hot spells, so water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.

c) Aeration: Consider aerating your lawn if it becomes compacted, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots more effectively.

With these August garden tips from Redwood Nursery, you can nurture your garden to its fullest potential. Embrace the beauty of the northeast landscape and enjoy the bountiful rewards of your green haven throughout the year. Happy gardening!