During the month of August we can carry out some small but important jobs for enhance our green space by preparing ourselves as best as possible for the autumn period and the coldest season. Although we are approaching the end of summer, the heat is often still intense even in light of the current climate scenarios, so let’s try to adopt some precautions to best protect our plants, perhaps during the coolest hours of the day!
1. Irrigation
2. Fertilization
3. Pruning
4.Weed control
5. Seminand
6. Transplants
7. Cuttings
8. Enemy Control
9. We design
Irrigation
Let’s start with the water factor because it is of significant importance, especially considering that the water needs of plants, both herbaceous and shrubby and arboreal, increase during the hottest and driest periods, so let’s not forget about water regularly, avoiding both dry spells and excessive water supplies with subsequent water stagnation, intervening during the cooler hours of the morning, better with rainwater recovered in tanks or accumulation reservoirs to do good for the environment and our wallet. What do you say? Are you going on vacation? No problem but remember to install an irrigation system with a programmable control unit before leaving to ensure a distribution frequency proportionate to the needs of your plants. Also renew the mulches in order to avoid water losses due to evaporation due to the heat, thus keeping the soil cooler and protecting the roots.
Fertilization
In August we have the opportunity to take a moment to admire the vegetative peak of our garden or terrace among colors and scents, remaining enchanted by the flowers of species such as Begonias, Bougainvillea, Marigolds, Calla lilies, Dahlias, Fuchsia, Geraniums, Gladioli, Hibiscus, Lagerstroemia, Lilium, Oleanders, Petunias, Portulaca and Roses.
For a lush and scenic flowering let’s remember to carry out constant fertilization, using a specific product for ornamental plants, liquid, that is, to be diluted in the irrigation water or with gradual release; the dosages and frequencies of distribution must be suitable and not excessive, so we carefully read the indications on the information label of the fertilizer purchased. We prefer a fertilizer rich in phosphorus and potassium rather than nitrogen, the latter more useful during the spring period.
Pruning
At the end of August, at the end of the summer flowering, we proceed to carry out regular pruning of perennial herbaceous plants and shrubs eliminating dry or damaged branches to encourage subsequent growth and maintain a well-proportioned habitus. If we have species that produce fruit or seeds that are attractive to birds, we wait to prune them to ensure food for our little friends. If the heat is not intense, we also start pruning the hedges, paying attention to the presence of nests that are still in full activity! Let’s remember to use tools with clean and sterilized blades for pruning as well as sharpened with one eye always on our safety and the other on the protection of our plants avoiding excessive cuts. We also perform the Deadheading technique by cutting off the faded inflorescences. If you have lavender bushes this is the time to collect the scented spikes, dry them and put them in your drawers to perfume and keep moths away throughout the autumn-winter period. We can also cut flowering stems, for example of Achillea, then hang them upside down in an airy and dry place to then use them in dried flower arrangements.
Weed control
Needless to say, who in August hasn’t had weeds in the garden or even in the cracks of the flooring on their terrace? So let’s go to eliminate them by uprooting them, including the root, manually or using products such as pelargonic acid, a natural total herbicide.
The seed
For gardening enthusiasts, you can try your hand at sow annual or perennial species towards the end of the month in anticipation of next year’s blooms, paying attention to using a specific, light and well-draining substrate containing peat, perlite and sand, taking care to always keep it adequately moist to encourage germination. You have a wide range of choices available between Aquilegia, Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower), Cheiranthus, Cineraria, Digitalis, Ornamental Lupin, Myosotis sylvatica (Forget-me-not), Cinquefoil, Pansy.
Transplants
At the end of the month, when the days start to get cooler, you can transplant new protagonists into your garden such as Columbines, Begonias, Bellflowers, Geraniums, Peonies, Petunias, Primroses and why not, spring-flowering autumn bulbs and even Saffron! Remember to prepare the soil appropriately by first lightly digging and removing weeds and bulky stones, then burying granular fertilizer with gradual release and breaking up the larger clods with a hoe, finally leveling the surface by preparing the planting holes according to a suitable density aimed at promoting correct vegetative development of each individual specimen. If, on the other hand, we choose to pot the new plants, we choose containers proportionate to their final growth size as well as their bearing using a specific soil for ornamentals, based on peat and perlite.
Cuttings
August is also the best month to take cuttings of Fuchsias, Geraniums, Oleanders, Azaleas and Camellias, taking a portion of a branch, root or leaf depending on the chosen species and using a substrate containing peat and sand, to be maintained at a constant temperature and humidity.
Enemy Control
We look at our plants to detect the possible presence of fungal diseases or harmful insects such as aphids and red spiders, let’s avoid wetting the tops excessively precisely to avoid encouraging the development of unwanted guests. And what if they are already present? Let’s take a photo and ask an expert in the sector to recommend a specific organic product.
We design
August is a great time to enjoy your garden or terrace but also to take a critical look and start planning any changes. Come on, a period of intense work awaits us but that will surely lead to excellent results during the next spring-summer!
