Gardening Insights for the Mohawk Valley (Zone 5)

Breathe the sweetness that hovers in August

-Denise Levertov

The peak of summer, this month can be hot and humid but dry. If your garden could talk, it would say “give me plenty of water.” The key is to water deeply. Always try to water in the am- it is not a good idea to have wet foliage when night falls. Keep mulching- it keeps the water in the soil where it belongs. Especially with the hot weather we have had in recent years, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. A light straw gardening hat with a wide brim is a good idea. And water yourself deeply too- drink plenty of fluids. The summer symphony of blooms, especially some perennials, are starting to exit like the spring blooms before them. Now is the time to watch (if you have planned for a full year’s blooms) the later summer and fall flowers start their music. Coneflower’s reign! Globe thistle is turning purple. If your want to know what should be blooming now, visit the perennial section of your favorite nursery. Look around and ask them. Now is also the time to note which of your plants are thriving and where and which are not.  Each garden has different soil and microclimates and it is key to note which plants thrive in yours. Make a drawing or take photos of which plants are where so you can look at them when you plan what you want to change/move/add next year.

FIRST HALF OF AUGUST

Get rid of the invaders- weeds- before they seed themselves. Cut back spent plants to give more sun to the active ones. This is the last time you will need to fertilize before winter. I like to use a time release fertilizer but watch not to use too much nitrogen- you want flowers not more leaves. Potassium or Phosphorus are best now. Again, tap the knowledge of the experts at your favorite local nursery. Get rid of the wilted flowers on your geraniums and other perennials to extend their blooming period. And, as always, dispose of any plants with a lot of disease or insect damage.

SECOND HALF OF AUGUST

Want something to remember your garden by this winter? Cutting and drying flowers is the ticket to this. Make a bunch and tie them together and hang them, up side down, in a dry and not too hot place. This is the time to play some musical chairs with your plantings before the green season music fades out for the year. The majority of perennials can be divided and moved once the weather cools a bit. But don’t do this if it is too hot.  And this isn’t the time to transplant certain plants, notably woody perennials, grasses and ferns. Remember: sure to be liberal with watering after transplanting.

After all the work: lounge chair or hammock, beverage of choice and a bit of time to sit in your garden and enjoy it.