August in the Garden

After some produce treats in June and July, it is now time to start thinking that wonderful word “harvest” in earnest. While it means double work in a sense, as we spend more time harvesting (and perhaps preserving) our produce, while at the same time tending our fully developed gardens, the rewards are tasty and immediate.  What’s better than fruits and berries, corn, tomatoes, cabbage, squash, carrots, lettuce and other greens, peas, beans…taken straight from garden to kitchen to patio table.

As in July, the tending continues as we watch our plants produce, adjust our watering (add mulch), and protect our garden from various threats. As you watch over your plants, take time to notice bugs, discoloration, wilt, etc. and research the possible problems and solutions. One particular bug that can be hard to spot is the spider mite, so small it appears as a tiny moving dot if visible at all. Root weevils can damage ornamental shrubs and flowers.

Immediate expert plant help for our region is available from the Master Gardener Plant Clinic by phone @ 541-776-7371, ext. 204. Of course, our website is here for you to ask questions in the forums and your fellow Rogue Valley Gardeners can respond; we will do our best to find answers to your questions as well.

Other suggestions:  Give special attention to hanging and potted plants so they don’t dry out.  Their limited soil environment will also demand more fertilizing.  Adjust your irrigating for hotter weather and also produce sensitive to direct watering. Early morning is the best watering time. Aerate your lawn and water it deeply less often.

It’s also time to dig up spring bulbs to store or thin and replant.

Second spraying is due for peach and prune trees (root borers); second spraying of filbert trees for filbertworm.

Clean and fertilize strawberry beds; fertilize cucumbers, summer squash, and broccoli to maintain production.

Sources: Master Gardener’s Guide OSU Extension; Grange Coop Rogue Valley Gardening Guide.