Climatologically, the highest maximum daily temperatures occur during the first couple of weeks in August. Maybe we will be lucky and have a few rain showers to soak the yard and cool things off a bit. If you have to be out in the heat, drink plenty of water, wear a broad brimmed hat, use sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn and take frequent rest breaks. Here are a few things that you could be doing, preferably during the relative cool of the morning:
* In spite of the drought, remember that water is still key to successful gardening. Now is a good time to think about putting in a drip irrigation system if you don’t already have one.
* If you have a St. Augustine lawn, be on the lookout for chinch bugs and apply control, the sooner the better.
* If your oak trees need pruning, now should be one of the best times to do it. As stressed as the trees are from the drought, however, it might not be a good idea this year. The insects that transfer the oak wilt fungus are not very active during the heat of summer. If you do decide to prune, it is still recommended that you paint each pruning cut with sealer immediately after cutting.
* It’s time to get serious about your fall vegetable garden. You should already have your tomato and pepper plants in the ground (with some afternoon sun protection). Okra and winter squash should be planted by mid-August and green beans, summer squash and cucumbers by the end of the month. Set out broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower plants before Labor Day. Swiss Chard is a great green and can be planted anytime between now and early October. If you plant potatoes, they should be in the ground by the first of September. Unless the weather turns unusually cool and damp, it would be best to wait until at least mid-September to plant lettuce.
* Remember that caladiums are leaves, and leaves love nitrogen. If you still have caladiums give them a shot of a high nitrogen fertilizer (cheap lawn food is good) and water it in well.
* By mid-September you should start to prepare beds for planting fall annuals and spring bulbs.
Just remember to take it easy and try to avoid working outside in the sun during the heat of the day.
Do you have plans for a fall garden you’d like to share?
