Your Lawn and Garden

Many people are on vacation or staying indoors to beat the heat in August, but devoted gardeners and landscapers make time to prepare for autumn and inevitably winter. If you get out in the early morning or evening you can work in relatively comfortable temperatures, however, and it’s important that you do it now if you want to reap the benefits later.

Here’s a list of things to do in August:

Roses – Roses are beautiful, but they require care. In August they have probably bloomed once and will again in the fall if you prune them now. If they are once-blooming roses, don’t prune them or they will lose their ability to bloom next spring.

Plant your fall vegetables – Now is the time to plant your veggies. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, bunching onions, cauliflower, chard, collards, cucumbers, lima beans, okra, shallots, turnips, squash, mustards and southern peas can all be seeded directly into the soil.

Repot container plants – August is the time to check if any of your potted plants are getting root bound. If so, move them to larger pots and keep them hydrated.

Treat for pests – Grubs, Japanese Beetles, and other pesky pests are active in August and they might be eating your lawn, trees, and shrubs right now! If you decide to DIY, buy an insecticide specifically for lawns and apply carefully per the instructions!

Order flower bulbs – August is not the time to plant flower bulbs, but it’s a good idea to order them now. Have them ready to go so you can plant them in the fall and winter, depending on the bulb.

Inspect everything for pests – August is the time of year when pests are thriving, so you should be able to spot them. Use the right sprays and treatments for the right pests, and don’t over-treat.

Weed control – This is when weeds thrive, but be careful about chemical weed killers. When the temperature is very high they may not work properly but they can kill your precious lawn. Read instructions carefully before using any weed killer.

By the Blade has been helping people keep their homes and commercial properties beautiful and healthy for over 20 years. We understand what it takes to keep lawns, trees, vegetable gardens, and flowers thriving all year. Call us at 816-505-0444 if you would like to discuss having some professional help for your projects.