Things to do in August

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Fertilize:
Fertilize fruiting vegetables after first fruit set for higher productivity. Feed chrysanthemums every 2-3 weeks until buds appear, then weekly until buds show color. Fertilize roses for fall bloom. Feed berries and fruit showing poor color/vigor.

Water:
Water all planted areas deeply but infrequently during dry periods. Outdoor container plants need daily watering. Keep azaleas and fruit trees watered well because spring blooms are developing.

Soil:
Discard faded annuals and refurbish soil as needed. Prepare loose, well-drained beds for fall bulb planting. Clean up established garden beds. Turn compost pile.

Lawn Care:
Mow every 5-7 days and leave the clippings on the lawn. Set mower higher in shady areas to promote denser turf. Avoid weed killers whenever temperatures are above 85° .

Diseases/Pests to look out for:
Watch for cutworms on new tomato transplants; protect with paper collars around base 1" above and below ground. Watch for grub worms, chinch bugs and fire ants in lawns. Check for borers in peaches, plums and other trees. Look for aphids and powdery mildew on crape myrtles.

Prune:
Prune roses back by 1/3. Deadhead spent blooms and seed pods from crape myrtles for continued blooms. Trim photinias for red fall color. Remove dead and damaged wood from shrubs and trees. Pinch chrysanthemums for the last time.

Things To Plant In August:

Flower Plants:

  • Ageratum
  • Ajuga
  • Wax Begonia
  • Blue Daze
  • Boltonia
  • Cockscomb
  • Impatiens
  • Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia Hirta)
  • Salvia
  • Sedum
  • Shasta Daisy
  • Stokes’ Aster
  • Zinnia

Flower Seeds:

  • Ageratum
  • Alyssum
  • Amaranthus
  • Balsam
  • Bluebell
  • Calendula
  • Candytuft
  • Cleome
  • Coreopsis
  • Cornflower
  • Castor Bean
  • Cosmos (late)
  • Cockscomb
  • Four-o’clock
  • Gerbera
  • Hollyhock
  • Impatiens
  • Linaria
  • Marigold (French)
  • Moonflower
  • Morning Glory
  • Petunia
  • Portulaca
  • Sunflower
  • Tithonia
  • Flowering Tobacco
  • Zinnia

Bulbs:

  • Autumn Crocus (Colchicum)
  • Hardy Cyclamen
  • Louisiana Iris
  • Liriope
  • Lycoris
  • Monkey Grass

Vegetables:

  • Early—Mid Month: Corn, Eggplant, Pepper, Southern Pea, Tomato, Winter Squash
  • Mid—Late Month: Potato
  • ALL Month: Cucumber, Summer Squash

 

Courtesy of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity, published by the Travis County Master Gardener Association, copyright 2000-2002.

Additional August Tips

To do for August 18th, 2012
To do for August 11th, 2012
To do for August 4th, 2012
To do for August 27th, 2011
To do for August 20th, 2011
To do for August 13th, 2011
To do for August 6th, 2011
To do for August 28th, 2010
To do for August 21st, 2010
To do for August 14th, 2010
To do for August 7th, 2010
To do for August 29th, 2009
To do for August 22nd, 2009
To do for August 15th, 2009
To do for August 8th, 2009
To do for August 1st, 2009
To do for August 30th, 2008
To do for August 23rd, 2008
To do for August 16th, 2008
To do for August 9th, 2008