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