Planting
___ If annuals that were planted earlier in the year are looking tired, replace them with more heat tolerant annuals and/or tender perennials.
Under 2 feet: Bachelor’s Button, Blue Daze, Celosia, Coleus, Dwarf Cosmos, Dahlberg Daisy, Dusty Miller, Gaillardia, Gomphrena,
Lantana, Marrigold, Mexicn Heather, Ornamental Pepper, Periwinkle, Portulaca, Purslane, Lady in Red Salvia, Scaevola, Wax Begonia, Zinnia
Over 2 feet: Butterfly Weed, Canna, Cigar Flower, Coasmos, Four-O-Clock, Hardy Hibiscus, Mexican Sunflower, Rudbeckia, Salvia such as Mealy Blue Sage, Shrimp, Plant, Sunflower
___ If you can find them at nurseries, plant Salvias now. Many will put on a display of flowers in the fall.
___ Take a look around your property to decide if a shade tree would be desirable to plant this coming fall.
___ It’s time to plant the first of the fall vegetables. Vegetables to plant in August: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bunching onions, cabbage, cauliflower, Swiss chard, Chinese cabbage, collards, cucumbers, lima beans, mustard, snap beans, Southern peas, peppers, Irish potatoes, rutabagas, shallots, squashes, tomatoes, and turnips.
Care
___ Stake or tie up annuals and perennials that have become overly enthusiastic.
___ Trim longer stems from hanging basket house plants to encourage new growth in the pot, or coil stems into pot for a fuller look.
___ Trees and shrubs may be showing signs of heat stress. Keep them deeply watered and mulch the area around them.
___ Take up vegetable crops that are finished and add them to you compost pile. If you won’t be replanting the area, make sure to mulch 4-6 inches. (Do not compost tomatoes that have southern blight.)
Watering
___ If plants start to look wilted, you have waited too long to water. Keep an eye on the weather!
___ Water vegetables as needed, not on a timer or schedule. Don’t wait for rain!
Problems
___ Don’t let the summer heat keep you from weeding you garden. Work in early morning or in the evening when it is a little cooler. Drink lots of water, wear a hat, and wear loose fitting clothing that keeps you covered from the sun. A thick layer of mulch should help keep the weeds at bay. If that is too late in your garden, plan on adding mulch as soon as the weeds are removed.
___ Blackspot continues to be a problem for roses. Keep dead and yellow leaves cleaned up around the base of the rose bush.