Be sure to stop by Betty's if you have any questions or need advice.

DO NOT PRUNE spring flowering trees and shrubs after August 1st. The flowering buds for next year's display are now forming within the plants. Pruning now will remove these buds. If the weather is dry in August and September, water these trees and shrubs twice a week, deeply, to promote lush spring bloom. Do you remember those years when the only azalea blooms were at the very bottom of the plant? This was caused by lack of water in August and September of the previous year!

DO PRUNE your broadleaf and needle leaf evergreens one last time for a pleasing shape over the fall and winter. Pruning in August leaves enough time for the new growth flushed out by the pruning to harden off before the first hard freeze.

Right Plant, Right Place? August is the perfect month to evaluate your garden. Remove any stunted or unsightly shrub and tree plantings now to leave room for fall planting. Fall is the optimum planting season in our area for woody plants. The branches and foliage are beginning to go dormant while the roots will continue to grow, albeit slowly, over the winter. The plants will be ready in the spring with healthy root structures to support above the ground growth in the more difficult heat of the summer.
You may have certain plants that are not dying but are not flourishing either. Chances are they are planted in the wrong place in your landscape. Each type of plant, rhododendrons for instance, has its own cultural requirements. The rhododendron needs moist but well draining, acid soil and partial shade for optimum health. The addition of super phosphate to the soil and regular fertilization with a slow release fertilizer after flowering in the spring will also promote good plant health. Our clay soil presents a challenge to the well draining requirement that can be overcome with proper planting procedure. Plant with at least 1/4 th of the root ball exposed above surrounding ground level and mulch heavily at the outer edge of the root ball; lightly toward the stems of the plant. There is a lot to know about each plant you purchase. Please ask us at Betty's. We are more than happy to advise you on the proper plant cultivation practices for your purchases.

If you discover that a prized specimen plant has been planted in the wrong place, late fall is the very best time to transplant to a better location. With the above ground portions of the plant going dormant, the reduction of the size of the root ball will not be as damaging.

Powdery Mildew, that whitish covering on the leaves of many of your flowering shrubs and lush herbaceous plants is at its height in August. It is not only unattractive, it does limit the ability of the leaves to create food and gradually (over 3 years or so) results in an weak plant. Weak plants are more susceptible to additional diseases and insects. The bottom line is that powdery mildew is not just something to ignore. It flourishes in hot, humid conditions (our weather). It is retarded by good air circulation and sufficient sunlight. Take note of which plants are most affected in your landscape. Prune woody plants at the proper time to promote better air circulation. Consider pruning back trees which have grown over your planting beds and block the sun's penetration to the under story plants. Clean up fallen debris under the affected plants to stop additional spread of the mildew spores. Finally, spray those plants such as lilac and roses on a bi-weekly basis from mid-summer on with a good, systemic fungicide. Severely affected herbaceous plants should be removed if they are annuals or cut back if they are perennials. Investigate alternative plantings for next year. Broad leaved zinnias, for example, are almost hopeless in our climate but there are some very attractive narrow leaved forms on the market that are untroubled by powdery mildew.

Bagworms on needle leaved evergreen shrubs and trees are at their most visible right now. It is too late to spray. The bagworms are well protected in their cocoons. Hand pick the cocoons, place them in a non-transparent (if you are squeamish, like me) trash bag and smash with something heavy before discarding in the trash.

LAWNS

Prepare for Fall over seeding, partial and even complete lawn renovation in August. Despite the heat, there is a whole list of things to do this month to create the lawn you've always wanted (or your neighbors wish you wanted).

1. Grub Control. Grubs damage lawns as well as attracting the moles and voles you know so well. They eat the roots of grass. August is the very best time to apply persistent grub control products, those containing Dylox. All those beetles of summer have now laid their eggs in your soil. If you apply Dylox now, you will not need a spring application. It is critical that you apply the Dylox to your planting beds as well as over your lawn. The softer soil of the planting beds is mother beetle's egg laying location of choice.
2. Weeds. Does your lawn have broadleaved or grass type weeds? Bring the weeds to Betty's for identification. We will help you select the best product for your particular problems. August is the perfect month for ridding your lawn of these weeds before re-seeding in late August or early September. Tip: A healthy, well-watered weed is easiest to kill. Most weed killing products are systemic and work best when the weed is growing well.
3. Thatch. If your lawn has built up more than 1/4th inch of thatch, it is time to de-thatch. The thatch, a combination of dried grass clippings and various roots, prevents sun and water from reaching grass roots. If you have applied a weed control product, wait until it has killed the weeds to the roots before de-thatching. Fairly light thatch may be removed by raking an area horizontally and then vertically. Thatch contains many weed seeds. Do not put on compost pile. A severe thatch problem may require special equipment which can be rented.
4. Aerate. Aeration is basically poking holes in the earth to permit water to remain until it is absorbed and air to reach grass plant roots. It is particularly important at the top of slopes where water run-off is rapid (and dying grass most evident). There are a variety of tools for aerating your lawn which may be rented. If you have not aerated for 2 years, it would be advisable to do so now.
5. Lime. Grass is not an acid loving plant. Red clay soil is acid. The acidity prevents the grass plants from absorbing the fertilizers you have so carefully applied. The answer is lime. The last step for preparing your lawn for fall seeding is to apply lime in August. New studies have shown that lime applied at the same time with fertilizer may clump with the fertilizer and reduce, but not eliminate, the effectiveness of both products.

NOTE: Fall is the very best time for your lawn repair. Seed sown now will have all winter and spring to develop root systems before encountering the stress of next year's summer heat.

FLOWERS

Flower Beds: Clean up your flower beds this month. Dead head annuals and some perennials for renewed bloom in fall. Remove dead or diseased plants to make room for pansies and chrysanthemums!

Hanging Baskets: Many of our hanging basket plantings are rather unsightly in August. Prune back to flush new growth. Water properly! We often think we are watering our hanging baskets when we are really rinsing the inside of the pots. If the soil has shrunken away from the sides of the pot, it will be necessary to take down the pot and submerge it in water until the soil has completely re-hydrated. Remember to fertilize heavily throughout the growing season. All that draining water takes a lot of nutrients with it.

VEGETABLE GARDENS

If your vegetable garden has run its course and you don't want a fall garden, considering planting a cover crop (often called green manure) like red clover, crown vetch or annual rye to be turned under in the spring. Fall crops for planting now, however, include leaf lettuce, spinach, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, peas, turnips, onions, radishes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, snap beans, carrots and potatoes. Check maturation time against our Oct 15th freeze date when selecting seed.