August in Arkansas brings with it extreme summer heat, challenging even the most seasoned gardeners. However, with the right strategies, your garden can continue to thrive. The key this month is making sure you are watering your garden well! Keeping up with garden chores can ensure your garden remains productive and healthy during this time of intense heat and humidity. Check out which chores we recommend doing this month:
Deadheading your flowers can help keep them putting on more flowers as well as keep your garden looking neat and tidy. Get your nippers handy!
- Monitor rainfall and water appropriately.
- Scout for pests.
- Water and turn your compost pile.
- Water beloved trees and shrubs deeply as high temperatures and lack of water can be extremely stressful. It is best to water early in the morning. If these are spring-flowering trees and shrubs, such as camellias and dogwoods, letting them get too dry in the summer will keep them from setting good blooms next year.
- Deadhead spent flowers to keep them producing more flowers.
- Clean and sharpen or replace lawn mower blades.
- Fertilize strawberry beds in late August or early September. Ask your county agent for fertilizer recommendations.
- Although production has likely slowed this month, fertilize tomatoes toward the end of the month to encourage fall production, and continue to water appropriately.
- Remove fall webworms from ornamental/fruit trees and shrubs.
- Remove poison ivy and unwanted honeysuckle. For removal recommendations, please reach out to your county office.
- Start your fall vegetable garden.
Find all the details and get some great advice in the August Garden Guide.
Contact your agent for advice that’s specific to Carroll County, Arkansas.