As the long summer settles in, many of you might think the growing season is winding down. But here in Stokes, nothing could be further from the truth! August has lingering heat, yet gives a continuation of growth and harvest, for many of us. With a little know-how, your August garden can be just as rewarding as your spring and early summer displays.
The Heroes of Late Summer
While some early bloomers may be fading, August brings out more flowers from plants like Zinnia, Marigolds, and black-eyed Susans, which are at their peak and will provide a continuous color until they fall under frosty conditions. Coneflowers have sturdy petals and prominent centers, attracting pollinators and adding a sense of wilderness. Hydrangeas, particularly the Panicle and Smooth varieties, continue to offer flowers that transition to fall beautifully.
But August isn’t just about a revival of flowers. Your vegetable garden can still be productive. Tomatoes and peppers are still delivering produce if they’ve survived the summer heat waves and storms. And for a late-summer season harvest, consider planting seedlings of a second round of quick-maturing crops this week.
Prepping for Fall
August is the time to let your trees and shrubs get ready for winter. Don’t fertilize them until spring. Don’t prune trees or shrubs now as you don’t want to force out new growth that will be too tender when winter hits and freeze.
August is also the perfect transitional month to set your garden up for spectacular fall success. A little proactive planning now can lead to a glorious autumn show and a healthier start next spring.
Strategize for Autumn Harvests
Now’s the time to think about making room for those cooler-season crops. Early to mid-August is ideal for sowing seeds or planting seedlings of broccoli, cabbage, kale, collards, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables thrive as temperatures begin to cool, and a strong start in August gives them the necessary growing time. We will have starter plants ready at the nursery in September. Lettuce and spinach are great, easy, fall crops. Spinach even lasts until it flowers the next spring. For a continuous supply of fresh greens, consider planting lettuce, spinach, and Swiss chard every couple of weeks. Root crops like carrots, beets, and radishes can also be direct-sown with seeds in August for a fall harvest.
We will have green and red leaf lettuce, Bistro Salad Blend, mesclun, romaine, and buttercrunch lettuce. These are great for containers if you don’t have a large in-ground garden.
Refresh Your Soil
After a busy summer of production, your garden soil could use a refresh. Compost is your best friend. Incorporating a few inches of well-aged compost into your garden beds will replenish essential nutrients, improve soil structure, and enhance water retention for fall growth. If you plan to plant a cover crop for winter, now is a good time to prepare the soil by loosening it and clearing any remaining summer plant debris. Plan some space for perennials. We have some ready, with more growing and preparing for fall.
Pruning and Pest Patrol
Continue to deadhead spent blooms on annuals and perennials to encourage new flowers and prevent self-seeding, unless that is your goal. For shrubs that have finished blooming, a light pruning can help maintain their shape.
Keep a watchful eye on pests that might be more prevalent in the late summer heat. It’s insect season. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of beetles, slugs, spider mites, aphids, or squash bugs. Addressing these issues early can prevent them from becoming major problems.
Fertilize Wisely
As plants continue to produce, they’ll benefit from some fertilizer. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can provide a steady supply of nutrients for continued growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers or fruit, particularly as you approach the cooler months.
Embrace the Journey
Don’t let the thought of summer’s end wither your growing spirit. August is a month of continued opportunity to create something satisfying. By working with the conditions this month and making the right moves, you can extend your harvest, enjoy more color, and set the stage for more crops in the fall. Get out there, and continue to cultivate in the joy that only a living, breathing garden can provide. Your efforts now will go a long way towards a late-season show and give a promising start to next year. Happy gardening!