Parker County Master Gardener Association
Garden Tips - August

Flowers:

Remove old flower stalks and dead foliage from perennials.

Sow seeds of calendulas, dianthus, pansies, snapdragons and other winter flowers in flats for planting outside in mid-to-late fall.

Plant bluebonnet seeds. This winter annual must germinate in late summer or early fall, develop a good root system and be ready to grow in spring when the weather warms. Plant the seeds in well-prepared soil, ½ inch deep and water thoroughly.

Plant fall-flowering bulbs such as bella donna, fall crocus, oxblood and spider lilies.

Still time to plant fall annual flowers from transplants; such as celosias, marigolds and zinnias. Choose healthy plants in bud but not in bloom.

Plant fall-flowering perennials such as fall asters, Mexican bush sage, mums and others. Buy plants in at least 1-gallon sizes.

Container grown plants can still be planted into the landscape.

Consider buying Crape myrtles in bloom so you can choose the exact color you want. They can still be planted now (from containers) do not let them dry out.

If heat-tolerant annuals such as impatiens, petunias, verbenas and others have become leggy, prune them back to encourage full, vigorous new growth. This will also work for annuals in containers.

Vegetables:

Planning a fall garden? Early in the month is the time to plant beans, cucumbers and squash. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower can be planted in the middle of the month. Leafy and root crops can be planted later in the month.

Lawn:

St. Augustine grass, Bermuda grass and other warm-season grasses should be planted early in the month. Do not let them dry out.

Trees & Shrubs:

Remove as much as 1/3 of the growth of bush roses, pruning just above buds that face away from the centers of the plants. This will prepare the plants for fall growth and a great flush of blooms.

Remove dead or damaged tree limbs. Follow the multiple cut method for pruning.

Fertilizing:

Remember to fertilize plants:
Flowering annuals with 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio plant food for new growth for fall.

Fall vegetables with the same as flowering annuals, every 3 or 4 weeks.

Turf with the same ratio (if gray leaf spot in St. Augustine grass is a problem, wait until September).