August in the Garden

August is a busy but rewarding month in the garden. Although heat stress and plant fatigue can be a challenge, with attentive care, tidying up, and strategic watering and fertilizing, your lawn and garden can thrive into the fall.

Tune in to hear Joanne's tips and advice for keeping your lawn and garden thriving in August.

Topics covered in this week's episode:

Bulb Preparation

• Start thinking about fall bulbs (both flowering and garlic) now, especially if you want specific varieties.

Vegetables and Herbs

• Trim tired herbs (dill, basil, chives, oregano, thyme) for rejuvenation—stagger cuts for small crops to extend harvests.
• Monitor vegetables—harvest tomatoes and sow a second crop of lettuces and other cool-weather crops for fall.
• Keep gardens tidy: remove dead leaves and debris to prevent mildew and fungal diseases, especially after frequent watering.

Watering Tips

• Due to a lack of rain and prevalent heat in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), consistent watering is vital.
• Overhead watering (oscillating sprinklers) is inefficient—Joanne recommends a circular, ground-level sprinkler for deeper, targeted watering.
• Test soil moisture with a wooden stick/spoon for accurate watering, especially for new plants.

Fertilization and Soil Care

• With heavy summer watering, nutrients may be depleted—top up with compost or hen manure, especially in raised beds and containers.
• Annuals and hanging baskets may also need fertilizer boosts (water-soluble or pellet) and a haircut to encourage new growth.

Container Gardening

• Refresh tired annuals in containers or hanging baskets—replace or trim as needed for continued success through fall.
• Consider adding or dividing perennials like hostas in containers.

Pest and Disease Watch

• Look out for mildew, spider mites, and aphids; ladybugs can help control aphids (ensure they are native).

Lawn Care

• Lawns may look brown but are likely dormant, not dead—no need to fertilize or mow dormant grass.
• Focus on watering deeply rather than frequently. Use a rain gauge or simple container to check water penetration.
• Pay attention to weeds, especially crabgrass—remove before seed heads spread.

Trees and Hedges

• Water trees deeply—target the feeder root zone, not just trunk; mature trees benefit when you water your lawn.
• Avoid spraying tree leaves or trunks.
• Prefer ground-level, slow watering instead of overhead for all garden areas.

Pruning

• Prune flowering shrubs (weigela, lilac, spirea) by cutting older/dead branches from inside the shrub for rejuvenation.
• For evergreens (cedar, yew), light trimming and shaping are appropriate now; major pruning is best left to professionals if needed.
• Shape hedges so the base is wider than the top to ensure sunlight reach