August
GARDENING TO-DO LIST
Hummingbirds
- Hummingbirds are here!! Migrating hummingbirds can be found at your feeders and natural nectar sources. Keeping feeders clean, filled and in a shady area will encourage visitors. Check out our ‘Hummingbird Book’ in the Bungalow for useful information and identification.
- Recipe for Nectar: • Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, add 1 cup of granulated sugar, stir until dissolved. • Allow to cool, fill feeders. Keep excess sealed in refrigerator.
- Natural nectar sources for hummingbirds include turk’s cap, hamelia, shrimp plant, firespike, salvia, lobelia (cardinal flower), Pride of Barbados, anisacanthus, and cigar plants. These are all hummer magnets.
Planting
Plant transplants for tomatoes and peppers now. Keep young plants protected from intense midday heat by placing cages over plants and clothes pinning newspaper or cardboard at the second rung level. This temporary shade device can be removed once plants reach height of the cardboard; they are established.
Seeds to plant now include cucumbers, calendula, snapdragon and alyssum. Plan for the fall vegetable garden and choose seeds for planting next month. Shop for Botanical Interests seeds in the racks at the outside checkout.
Fertilizing & Mulching
Mulch, mulch, mulch. Mulching keeps plant roots cooler and weed seeds at bay. Apply 3” deep around trees and shrubs. The Ground Up Native Hardwood Mulch is our favorite. Add compost around annuals, herbs, and vegetables. Remember: never pile mulch against the base of a plant.
For preparing fall gardens, top dress with 2-4” of organic matter: compost like Happy Frog Soil Conditioner and Nature’s Way Leaf Mold Compost are great choices. A layer of pine straw will keep weeds at bay until seeds or transplants have been placed.
Feed the soil. Medina Plus and MicroLife Humates Plus actually feed the micro-organisms in the soil which improves soil quality and reduces compaction, in turn increase water holding capabilities. Healthy plants start with healthy soil.
Use seaweed spray such as Microlife Seaweed to boost the immune system of plants. A healthy plant is more resistant to insect infestations and fungal problems. A spray-down every two weeks that covers the entire surface of all leaves will do the job.
Water
Continue slow, deep watering to encourage proper root growth and prevent runoff. Watering longer and less often encourages deep root growth and healthier plants. Soaker hoses or a regular hose turned on to a slow drip are good ways to do this.
Pests
Keep an eye on lawns to spot problems early and treat accordingly. Insects such as chinch bugs (treat with EcoSmart granules or diatomaceous earth) and fungi such as grey leaf spot (treat with MicroGro Granule) are two things to watch out for. All of these organic products can be found in our plant care shed.
