By Dr. Gaye Winter
“There is a ‘sad sweetness in summer’s passing’, perhaps due to the earthy warmth of autumn’s approach.” – Donald Hall
August gardening in South Mississippi is all about taking a break and starting some maintenance for those beautiful fall months ahead. Everyone knows how hot August can be, but despite the heat, you can take advantage of the early mornings to do most of your gardening. Here are some tips and tasks to add to your gardening to-do list this month:
Cutting or picking your flowers:
This can be done in the morning before the leaves start wilting. Along with your pruners, be sure and take a full bucket of cool water to put the blooms in “up to their necks” after you cut them. This will let their cells soak up all needed water and make them last longer. Let them soak for one to two hours, then remove them from the water. Also remove the leaves, as they can cause bacteria in a vase or arrangement.
They are now ready to be enjoyed!
Inspecting your hoses to prepare for fall and winter:
Prolonged sun and heat can weaken hoses, causing leaks and holes. When replacing hoses, remember that heavier hoses may last longer, but they can be too heavy to drag around. You might want to think about lighter-weight hoses, or even the little, collapsible ones to pull behind you.
Watering your garden:
In August, since the heat is too dangerous to be out in, be sure to water your garden in the early morning, as the leaves will have time to dry during the day. If you must be out in the heat of the day, remember to use sunscreen, wear a hat and drink plenty of water. Take frequent breaks in the shade, and note where to plant more shade trees for next season.
SOME ADDITIONAL AUGUST GARDENING TASKS INCLUDE:
- Picking your fruit and signaling to your garden that it is time to wind down. For example, try to pick fruit in the early morning and when foliage is still dry; this discourages fungus from spreading as you pick. If putting up fruit for fall, rinse first, then allow to air dry before sealing in a well-labeled, dated bag or container, and use them up before next year.
- Now is also the time for deadheading. Why deadhead in August? It encourages reblooming and prepares plants to save energy for wintertime. It promotes health and reduces disease risk. With all the heat and rain, flowers are busting out all over. If you want them to keep blooming, pinch or snip off spent flowers, including the small stem at the base where the flower connects to the main stem, to encourage new blooms and a fuller plant.
Despite the heat of summer, our garden is in transition and heading gradually toward a new beginning. Happy gardening!
Gaye Winter, Ph.D., teaches English at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. She is president of the Biloxi Garden Club. You can reach her at gaye.winter@mgccc. edu.