Blog, Garden Blog, Garden Tips
Make sure your flowers, shrubs and trees are ready for the current heat, and the coming cold
17
Aug
Aug
Our Garden Center Pro Staff shares tips on how to get another show of blooms from your annuals and container plants, and what to do to prepare your perennials to survive the winter and thrive next year. Trees and shrubs also benefit from some extra TLC this time of year. Read on for the details.
Annuals and Perennials
•Perennials that flower in the spring and summer can be divided and transplanted after blooming. Transplant during the coolest part of the day, preferably in the shade.
•Trim and fertilize your container plants – they still have time for another show.
•Treat late-season pests – such as aphids, whiteflies and spider mites – with Bayer Insect Disease and Mite Control or Malathon.
•Treat diseased plants and remove diseased foliage before leaves drop.
•Propagate plants by collecting seeds, taking cuttings, or layering.
•Continue deadheading! For prolific bloomers like coreopsis and catmint, shear them lightly to encourage more blooms..
•Continue spraying roses that are susceptible to black spot and other fungus diseases. Roses should receive no further nitrogen fertilizer after August 15.
•Divide bearded iris now. Discard old center sections and borer damaged parts. Replant so tops of rhizomes are just above ground level.
Shrubs and Trees
•Pick up and destroy fruit that has fallen from your fruit trees to limit insect infestations. Protect ripening fruits from birds by covering plants with a netting. Prop up branches of fruit trees that are threatening to break under the weight of a heavy crop..
•Make sure newly-planted shrubs and trees get plenty of water..
•Install stakes for training and shaping..
•Evergreens can be planted or transplanted now to ensure good rooting before winter arrives. Water both the plant and the planting site several days before moving..
•Soak shrubs periodically during dry spells with enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches.
