August Gardening Tips

Looking to keep the garden looking great throughout the summer? No problem! Stauffers experts have a list of tips to help guide you.

WATER
Water regularly. Plentiful rainfalls have kept the grass green so far this summer.

Be sure to check containers daily and water when the soil is dry to the touch about an inch down. Established gardens, trees and shrubs need an inch of water a week.

Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials need water more frequently.

MULCH
A two or three-inch layer of mulch on garden beds keeps plant roots cool and moist. Mulch also helps conserve moisture and reduce weeds. If you haven’t applied mulch yet, it’s not too late to make a difference in the garden. Be sure to keep mulch away from the plant stems and tree trunks.

FERTILIZE
Fertilize annuals and vegetables with water-soluble fertilizer every 10 days to 2 weeks to keep plants flowering.

WEED
Weed garden beds – it’s easier to remove them regularly and when they’re young – to keep pesky plants from taking water and nutrients away from your desirable ones.

DEADHEAD
Deadhead spent blooms and clean yellow or wilted foliage to keep plants and gardens tidy. Deadheading will encourage repeat blooming on perennials.

PRUNE
Prune dead or crossing branches. As plants grow and the garden fills in, it’s important to keep adequate air flow around plants. This will prevent fungus and insect problems.

REPELLENTS
Reapply deer and rabbit repellents to keep animals at bay.

The heat breeds insects and humidity contributes to fungus. Watch plants closely and treat problems when they first occur. If you need help identifying a problem, bring a sample of the bug or affected plant into one of our stores and our experts will diagnose the problem and give advice for the care.

 

Some common problems occurring right now are Japanese Beetles, Black Spot, Powdery Mildew and Blossom End Rot on tomatoes.