Lawn maintenance, watering your plants and watching out for pests are all on your August Lawn & Garden To-Do List

In this post, our Pro Staff from Full Features Landscape & Garden Center will review some items that should be on your Lawn and Garden To-Do List for August.

Because August is typically one of the hottest times of the year, when gardens and gardeners are both subject to being baked by the hot sun, gardening this month is best done in the early morning or late evening. By completing your tasks during these times, when temperatures are typically more comfortable, you are less likely to suffer heat-related illness or injury.  However, you should still be sure to hydrate as you work, and take breaks to avoid overheating.

Lawn Maintenance and Preparation

•Aerate and dethatch your lawn.
•Help your grass beat the heat and reduce lawn maintenance by keeping your lawn mower blade on the highest setting. Don’t be concerned if parts of your yard turn brown – it can happen this time of year.
•It’s time to get ready for overseeding your lawn. Level low spots and remove weeds. Choose and order your grass seed in advance. Overseeding is critical in growing a healthy, lush lawn. Because grass slows down its rate of reproduction after a few years. Lawns that haven’t been overseeded in a while can grow thin and aren’t as healthy. As a result, it is easier for weeds to overtake the lawn. Overseeding isn’t hard, and the results are well worth the time and effort. Ask us if you have questions.

General Maintenance and Planning

•Plan for and purchase any shrubs and trees you plan to plant this fall.
•Water, water, water! Early morning is the best time to water. Target plants directly, and water deeply. Avoid getting leaves wet in the hot sun. Avoid soaking containers during the hottest part of the day, because both of these can burn plants.
•Keep close watch on your birdbaths, water features and bird feeders. Prevent or correct mold, stagnation and mosquito larvae.
•Continue weeding in order to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
•Beware of powdery mildew, which is caused by moisture and humidity. Help prevent mildew by watering in the cool of the morning, when roots can absorb water – but excess will evaporate as the day warms. Avoid overhead sprinkling in mildew-prone areas. Do not compost leaves that are mildewed.
•When the temperature is higher than 85 degrees, avoid applications such as fertilizer, fungicide or insecticide.
•Add compost and mulch to keep your garden cool and to prepare for fall planting.
•From spider mites to stink bugs, there are a lot of pests to watch for this time of year. If you have questions, our knowledgeable Garden Center staff will be glad to help you identify the problem and the solution.

Watch for our next post to learn how you can help your annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees thrive during the August heat.