Garden chores slow down from spring’s fevered pace, but many of us may be away on vacation. Use this concise checklist to keep things running smoothly.
ANNUALS
- Deadhead spent blooms.
- Continue feeding weekly with a slow-release fertilizer.
- Before leaving on vacation, cut annuals back for a second flush of growth and cluster pots in the shade or install drip irrigation.
PERENNIALS
- Continue weeding beds and borders.
- Stake tall, floppy perennials.
- Divide early-blooming perennials such as iris and peonies in late August.
- Watch for powdery mildew on roses and phlox; treat with a weekly application of baking soda and water.
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
- Keep weeds in check.
- Mulch vegetable beds to discourage weed-seed germination and to keep moisture in the soil.
- Avoid fungal problems by watering the soil, not the plants.
- Consider installing soaker hoses or a drip irrigation system that delivers moisture directly to the soil.
- Return row covers to sensitive crops (beans and squash) in mid-August as night temperatures fall.
LAWN
- Keep grass roots cool by mowing at the highest setting.
- Water early in the morning to prevent water loss through evaporation and avoid fungal problems overnight.
- If water restrictions leave you with a brown lawn, consider replacing all or part of your lawn with drought-tolerant groundcovers such as thyme, ornamental grasses, or low-growing shrubs.
TREES AND SHRUBS
- Water newly planted trees and shrubs weekly in the first year.
- Control pear slugs and aphids with insecticidal soap or a daily spray with the hose.
- Prune hedges and evergreens for the last time in July.
HOUSEPLANTS
- Bring houseplants inside in mid-August before night temperatures get cold.
WATER CONSERVATION
- Water the highest-priority plants deeply.
- Let the lawn go brown—it will green up again.
- Use compost or shredded bark mulch on the perennial and vegetable gardens to help the soil retain moisture and stay cool.
- Consider installing a more efficient drip irrigation system or soaker hose.
- Collect rainwater in sealed barrels for hand-watering containers.
