August
August is the peak month of the summer harvest and the time to prepare for the fall and winter crop. It can be the hottest month inland and a month of fog and overcast along the coast.
The Summer of '97
It's been a cool summer here on the Central Coast and in Southern
California. The marine layer has moderated temperatures even in the
inland valleys. Aphids, which love the cool weather of spring and
fall, seem to be attacking everything this summer. Check your shrubs
and other plants. Aphids can be disrupted by a strong spray of water
or with insecticidal soap.
What else is unusual this summer? Well, you've all heard it --El Niño. On the Central Coast, ocean temperatures are near 65 degrees. In Southern California, they're up to 75 at some beaches. This is a very strong El Niño. We may be in for a very rainy winter!
Water needs have been somewhat lower this year. Lawns are greener, and
landscape plants are thriving. Can it last?
Water! Water! Water!
Give your tomatoes regular watering. If you let them dry out, they will be susceptible to blossom end rot. Don't let any of your vegetables wilt.
Most trees will appreciate a deep watering this month, but deep means about three feet. Feeder roots extend far beyond the drip line of the tree, so don't water right next to the trunk!
The traditional rule of thumb is that fruit trees need 3 inches of water every ten days. At the coast, you can extend that to two weeks. During hot spells, every week may be more appropriate.
Stop pinching azaleas and mums now. Continue to remove faded flowers
from annuals and perennials for repeat bloom, but let a few flowers go
to seed for next summer. Root cuttings of your favorite perennials,
including Pelargoniums.
To Prune or Not to Prune
Hedges and shrubs will still need trimming this month, but not every plant has to be sheared into a ball or box. Try cutting back long stems with hand clippers. Reach into the shrub and cut back up to a third of the stems. Remove entire branches or cut back to a bud. You can control size and shape and even reveal the branches' structure.
Divide bearded iris when clumps get crowded, about every three years. Replant the rhizomes about one foot apart. Cut back and divide Shasta daisies too. They'll bloom again in the fall.
In a bright shady location, sow seeds of fall vegetables and flowers.
Sow in containers large enough so they won't dry out during the long
day. Calendulas, pansies, violas, stock, sweet alyssum and snapdragons
are all easy. Plant perennials and herbs too -- coreopsis, Iceland
poppies, Shasta daisies. Sow seeds of biennials like foxglove
(Digitalis), Canterbury bells (Campanula), and hollyhocks (Alcea).
They will bloom next spring. Transplant all of these flowers into the
garden in September.
Plant Seeds
Plant seeds of fall and winter vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, celery, chard, lettuce. Plant radishes, carrots and beets in the ground where they will grow. Root crops should not be transplanted.
But it's not all about the future. Keep up with this year's harvest! Don't let fallen fruit lie on the ground, and don't let zucchini get to watermelon size.
Summer bloomers include the sturdy and spectacular Flame Eucalyptus
and the open and layered Mimosa or Persian Silk Tree. Select these
trees while they are in bloom. The flower color varies a great deal
from tree to tree. Be sure to get the color you want. Check the
July page for other trees that bloom
in the summer. Trees in Bloom
Eucalyptus ficifolia Albizia julibrissan
Flame Eucalyptus Mimosa
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter
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