Priscilla’s Garden To-Do List for August:
- Patrol for scale on Magnolia, Holly, Rhododendron, and foundation plantings where air does not readily circulate and remove by hand where feasible
- Prune all spring flowering shrubs to create a natural shape, removing deadwood and crossing branches, creating air spaces, and lifting slightly off the ground
- Selected spring flowering trees can be pruned now
- Water new plantings according to local guidelines
- Water containers at least every other day
- Keep up with weeding and deadheading
- Cut down any plant that is browned out or mildewed, as the root system will flush out fresh new growth
- Cut back on lawn mowing when lawn browns out and reduce mowing frequency on still-green areas
- Harvest beans, cucumbers, herbs, greens in the vegetable garden
- Harvest garlic when only 5 green leaves remain on the plants and set to dry in a protected area
- Pick blueberries and raspberries in the cool of the morning
- Cut back strawberry foliage and remove runners to renew the plants
- Top off mulch if bare soil emerges after a heavy weeding or deep watering
- Take in garden tours and plant shows as your energy permits
- Take time to relax and recharge in your garden