August seems like the time when some gardeners start to let gardening tasks slip. But don’t give up yet! There’s still time to get out and enjoy the garden while summer is in full swing. Keep pulling those weeds and watering those plants. If your landscape is starting to look a little droopy, perk it up with some new plantings.
Here’s what you can do in the garden this month:
Remember to plant biennials. Biennial plants, like hollyhocks, can be planted now so they have time to start growing and set good roots before the ground freezes. They’ll start regrowing next spring, ready to bloom.
Search for shrubs. Take a walk around your yard and look for places that could use a new shrub or two. If you want to see your landscape in a new way, set your camera to black and white to take a few photos. By taking the color out of the picture, you’ll be able to see blank spots or what plant sizes and shapes are missing from the landscape.
Plan for perennials. Look for hardy perennials that will bloom next season. Planting them now gives roots time to start growing through fall. Then next year they’ll be ready to start growing again.
Add new annuals. Sometimes annual plantings can be refreshed by cutting stems back and fertilizing. While you’re waiting for the next flush of flowers, buy a few new annuals for instant color.
Pull out spindly plants in containers and window boxes. Replant containers with a few fresh plants for a new look. One of the easiest ways to do this is to make room in the soil for the plant and its container. As the seasons change, it’s simple to remove the container and pop something new in its place.
Continue planting cool-season vegetables for fall harvesting. Good choices to plant in August include beets, kale, lettuces, mustard greens, radishes, spinach and turnip greens. Save growing time by planting some vegetables from transplants instead of seeds.
Plant more herbs. Arugula, chives, cilantro, dill and parsley all make for a second season of summer harvesting. Look for transplants or seeds that will sprout and grow in the shortest number of days.
