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Texas Gardener's August Garden Checklist
Here's how to help your garden thrive from the hot, dry month of August through fall
Houzz Contributor. I'm a landscape designer and freelance garden writer living in hot and humid Austin, Texas. I co-authored "Indoor Plant Decor: The Design Stylebook for Houseplants" (St. Lynn's Press) with Kylee Baumle. Follow me on Twitter @MulchMaven or on my Facebook page, J. Peterson Garden Design.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a landscape designer and freelance garden writer... More »
Good news for Texas gardeners: Although many areas of the country are experiencing devastating drought and heat this summer of 2012, no areas of Texas are in what is considered "exceptional drought" at this time. In fact, 10 percent of the state, much of it in north Texas, is not in a drought at all.
That being said, August is traditionally one of the hottest and driest months for us, and our gardens often show it. While we can still plant and be active in our August gardens, sometimes it's best to let them rest as they gear up for the next growing season. Here's a rundown of some great activities and chores to keep your garden going into the fall.
That being said, August is traditionally one of the hottest and driest months for us, and our gardens often show it. While we can still plant and be active in our August gardens, sometimes it's best to let them rest as they gear up for the next growing season. Here's a rundown of some great activities and chores to keep your garden going into the fall.
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Start vegetable seeds for the fall/winter garden. Vegetable and flower seeds can be started now for your cool-weather gardens.
Vegetable seeds to sow:
Read more on edible gardening
Vegetable seeds to sow:
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- kale
- cabbage
- winter squash
- pansy
- snapdragon
- viola
- alyssum
Read more on edible gardening
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Plant herbs. Add herbs to your garden by popping in transplants of Mexican mint marigold, oregano, rosemary, sage, artemisia and all types of mint.
Most herbs prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Mediterranean herbs in particular, such as rosemary, prefer to dry out a bit in between waterings, so be sure your soil doesn't retain unnecessary moisture.
Most herbs prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Mediterranean herbs in particular, such as rosemary, prefer to dry out a bit in between waterings, so be sure your soil doesn't retain unnecessary moisture.
Plant wildflower seeds: Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is the state flower, so many of us want to add it to our gardens. Late August is the perfect time to begin sowing seeds of bluebonnets and other wildflowers such as Mexican hat (Ratibida columnifera), Indian paintbrush (Castilleja spp.), winecup (Callirhoe digitata) and pink evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa).
Choose a sunny site, loosen up the soil (adding soil amendments if necessary) and plant seeds 1/2 inch deep. Water in and keep watered regularly throughout fall.
Choose a sunny site, loosen up the soil (adding soil amendments if necessary) and plant seeds 1/2 inch deep. Water in and keep watered regularly throughout fall.
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Fertilize your container plants. Plantings in containers have a unique environment; they don't have a ready-made source of nutrients, so it's important to feed them continually to ensure flower production and healthy growth.
Water-soluble fertilizers work well, as do time-release fertilizers, but don't forget foliar feeding. Regularly spraying the leaves of your plants with a product such as liquid seaweed maintains health and drought resistance.
Water-soluble fertilizers work well, as do time-release fertilizers, but don't forget foliar feeding. Regularly spraying the leaves of your plants with a product such as liquid seaweed maintains health and drought resistance.
| Prune annuals and roses. Although this is not the time of year for a hard (severe) pruning, many plants enjoy a bit of a haircut during the long, hot summer. Cascading annuals such as petunias often get leggy and stop blooming, so cut them back by half to promote bushier growth and increase flower production. Roses that are known to be repeat bloomers will also appreciate a light pruning to encourage a fall bloom cycle. Remember to fertilize your roses after pruning and water in thoroughly. |
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| Water deeply and less frequently. Light, frequent waterings will simply encourage shallow roots, which will not serve your plants well in times of heat and dry weather. It's preferable to water more deeply but less often, encouraging your plants' roots to dig down deep into the soil. Avoid watering directly onto the foliage of your plants, and water earlier in the morning or later in the day to avoid rapid evaporation. Better yet, install drip irrigation or soaker hoses to direct water closer to the plants' roots. |
Mulch as necessary. To make sure your soil is evenly moist, conserve water and keep weeds at bay, apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch in any bare areas of your garden. You shouldn't be able to see any bare soil, particularly when the weather is hot and dry.
Use a quality native hardwood shredded mulch, and avoid heaping it on the base of your plants, which can quickly lead to rotting. Instead, feather it toward the stem without actually touching it.
Use a quality native hardwood shredded mulch, and avoid heaping it on the base of your plants, which can quickly lead to rotting. Instead, feather it toward the stem without actually touching it.
| Vacation-proof your garden. Before leaving for the lake cabin, be sure your garden will get the care it needs. If you're only going away for the weekend, you'll probably be okay, but longer periods of time will take a toll on your flowers and shrubs. Ask a neighbor to water for you, leave notes on specific care instructions, and be sure your automatic irrigation system is set to run at the proper times. More: Planting guides for your Texas garden Browse flowers, plants and garden design ideas |
Ideabook updated on July 27, 2012.
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