August Garden Chores

Lawns

• Mow tall fescue lawns to 2 ½ to 3 inch height. Research has shown that mowing to the proper height will help control weeds.
• Begin treating for Japanese beetle grubs in August to reduce next year’s pest levels.
  
• Allow grass clippings to fall on the ground, they add nutrients to the soil.

Ornamentals

• Do NOT prune spring flowering shrubs such as azaleas and rhododendrons now, their buds have formed for next spring.
  
• Do NOT fertilize shrubs in August, September, October or November.
• Root prune any large shrubs that will be transplanted in November. See enclosed article about root pruning for more information.
  

Vegetables

• Continue to spray tomatoes with fungicide to prevent blight diseases.
  
• Remember to water tender vegetable plants through these dry months with a minimum of 1 inch of water per week.
  

Miscellaneous

• Consider taking your soil samples now, there turn around for results is only about 1 week.
• This is perfect for timing fall lime applications.
  
• Most garden chores are best done in the early morning or early evening when the heat index is lower.