Lawns need at least 1 1⁄2 inches of water a week and it is best in the morning to wash off any dew that may contain any fungus or diseases.
This month and next are when we start to transition from the summer to the fall growing seasons.
Here are some suggested things to begin to do now to prepare for this transition.
Now is the time to begin preparing your amaryllis plant to bloom for the upcoming Christmas season by beginning a three-month dormant cycle.
If you have been summering your plant outside, be sure to spray it three times a week apart, using insecticidal soap, as to kill any insects that may be on the plant.
Find a cool dark location in your home, such as a basement, and simply turn the plant on its side.
Do not water the plant any more as this will force the plant to begin to go dormant.
In about four weeks, the leaves will go from green to brown, as all the energy and nutrients in the leaves revert back to the bulb.
It is also time to wake-up any cyclamen plants you may have from dormancy and prepare them for the fall/winter growing season.
Simply repot the tuber and relocate the pot in a warm room with bright indirect light.
Keep the soil moist but not drenched or allow the pot to sit in water.
After the leaves begin to grow begin a fertilization program twice monthly with Jack’s Classic Blossom Booster at half rate.
Begin preparing your vegetable garden for the fall planting season. Remove all previous plant remains from the spring.
If you plant potatoes you can plant a new crop after harvest now which will be ready for harvest in late October or early November.
You can plant seeds of carrots, kale, lettuce, radish, spinach and turnips as well.
Be sure to plant the seed at least 1 inch in the ground to allow for a good root development before the first sprouts appear.
Cold crop vegetable starter plants of broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, kale and other greens begin to become available around the middle of the month.
It is also a good idea to harvest the herbs you wish to freeze or dry for winter use this month. Remember herbs are most flavorful, harvested in the early morning before the sun dissipates the essential oils that give them its flavor.
If drought conditions continue, remember to hydrate yourself when outdoors and also your plants need hydration too!
Blooming shrubs like crape myrtles, hydrangea, rose of Sharon and roses need to have irrigation at least twice a week, with hydrangea requiring it every other day.
Lawns need at least 1 1⁄2 inches of water a week and it is best in the morning to wash off any dew that may contain any fungus or diseases.
Other established landscape plants require the same amount of water and can be done in the morning or evening.
Remember to water early in the morning from 5 a.m., to no later than 10 a.m., and evenings after 7 p.m.
It is very important to only water the ground around your plants and never the plant itself as this could scorch the plant.
If your annuals did not perform well for you this year, check out area gardens and landscape areas when you take a walk or go shopping.
The ones you see doing well are the plants you want to make a note of and try for next year.
Remember to check your plants weekly for insects, fungus and disease issues.
Insects, such as scale, mites, aphids, and mealy bugs love warm humid weather and are most active early in the mornings until about 10 a.m.
This would be the best time to spray for these pest, while they are active.
High humidity and heat encourages powdery mildew and other disease issues. Catching these issues early can help to prevent a major outbreaks.
Bring a sample of the infected plant in so we can help you with a plan to correct the problem.
Don’t leave orchard fruits lying on the ground, as it attracts raccoons, skunks, possums, deer and yellow jackets.
Remember to keep your fruit harvested and dispose of any undesirable fruits.
The same should be true for ripening vegetables from the garden, as this help to keep the vegetables producing.
Remember to dress for the outdoors, wear sun screen and insect repellants and stay hydrated!
(Editor’s Note: Ken Morgan is the owner of Robin’s Nest Floral and Garden Center in Easton, Md.)
