In August, your garden won’t require too much attention, but it will still need your help to beat the heat! When possible, water plants in the morning or early afternoon so the soil will have a chance to warm up before the evening. Water fruit trees – especially young ones – using a slow drip system such as a Treegator®, or a bag system which will deliver about 20 gallons of water directly to the roots over the space of a few hours.
Weed control is also very important. Due to the warmer weather and increased watering, weeds can quickly get out of control. By watering deeply, and aggressively pulling weeds, they can be abated before they have a chance to flower and go to seed again. To cut down on hand weeding, don’t forget to mulch around your plants (covered in the June Grapevine).
The heat can make it tough to spend time working in your garden; try to take advantage of marginally cooler days. If you planted drought resistant plants in your garden last spring, you won't have to water as often or as much, but the principal of deep watering still applies.
It’s the perfect time to start your fall and winter vegetables! Early in the month, plant starters or seeds of green onions, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and winter cauliflower. In the unused spots in your garden, plant mesclun greens and leaf lettuce. Mixing compost or worm tea into the soil before seeding will ensure faster sprouting, and healthier plants!
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