Gardening tasks for August.
- Divide, disinfect and replant iris. To disinfect, dip rhizomes in a 10-1 water and bleach solution.
- Start seeds for broccoli, collards, brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnip greens and cauliflower
- Water and turn compost bins
- Collect wildflower seeds.
- Water lawns thoroughly and deeply and check for grubs. Treat if more than 5-7 grubs are found per square foot.
- Mulch beds where the mulch has composted. Keep weeds pulled before they go to seed.
- Plant agastaches, sedums, salvias, fall asters and plumbago for Fall color
- If tomato plants are not in bloom, cut back by 1/3 to ensure fall crops.
- Plant new tomato transplants and keep them watered.
- Assess your gardens for bare spots and lack of texture.
- Make garden plans to for future plantings to have year round color.
- Look for spider mites on any plant.
- If you have to be out, be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water. Keep cool! And admire your gardens from inside!