Mid-Season Tune-Up
A bit of work now can make your garden shine to the first frost and beyond
For many gardeners, spring excitement has waned. The heat and humidity of summer can sap even the most avid gardener's energy. However, as little as an hour in the garden (this gardener recommends early morning or later in the evening) two or three times a week can keep your plants happy and your green space looking its best.
For those of us wondering where to put our energy, here are some jobs for the August garden:
Keep watering
We've had a lot of rain, but plants sharing space with thirsty neighbours, plants in raised beds, or new plants will still need some help from you. If you're unsure, using a finger or a trowel, check the soil 1-2 inches deep. If the soil feels dry at that depth, water.
Deadhead
To extend flowering and keep things tidy, remove finished flowerheads on annuals and perennials. Note to seed-savers: Do not panic! I got you. See #10
Train climbers
They are still climbing! Even as I write they are heading off into the unknown. Put them where you want them to be.
Fertilize
If you are building up poor soil, keep adding organic matter. Continue fertilizing containers to keep them happy into the fall. At this point in the season, slow-release fertilizers may not be the best option for raised beds. Consider water-soluble fertilizer or compost tea.
Wait... compost tea?! Click this sentence to find out more.
Compost tea is the liquid from steeped compost. It's rich in beneficial microbes and nutrients. It can be applied directly to the soil or, when diluted with water, can be used as a foliar spray. Some gardeners keep a garden of special plants specifically for compost tea, like comfrey or nettles
Keep composting!
Continue adding to the pile, turning it and watering it as needed. This stuff is gold. Look how rich you are!
Keep weeding!
Weed before they seed. And a reminder: You can keep them if you think they're pretty, but do control them by not letting them spread their seeds and by weeding out anyone who is heading for the neighbour's.
Don't assume every insect is a pest. There are plenty of good guys out there, too!
Watch for pests and disease
Pick and squish pests (make sure they are a pest. There are apps you can use that will identify insects for you; you don't want to accidentally get rid of any good guys.) Remove any diseased or moldy plants or leaves. Do not compost them at home. Rather, leaf-bag them and send them off with the city.
Mulch
Mulch is not just for the spring. At this time of year, it protects soil from drying and cracking, and protects it from running off in summer thunderstorms.
Re-sow or add plants
This is a great time to sow cold-hardy veg like kale, leaf lettuce, cabbage, chard, bok choy, carrots, etc. Check dates to harvest to ensure the plant will mature before your first frost date. This is also a great time to search garden centres for plants to fill any gaps you may have.
Save seeds (See? I told you)
Select the best-looking flowers for saving their seeds. That's good genetics you've got there. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them into a labeled envelope or paper bag.
Mulch Alternatives
Many of us think 'bark mulch' when we think of mulching our gardens, but that is not the only option, and when it comes to dyed bark mulch, it may not be the healthiest choice.
Here are some alternatives to bark mulch:
newspaper or cardboard
straw (some places recommend hay. I do not. Too many seeds!)
homemade compost
leaves (chop them up with your lawnmower to make the pieces smaller. Tough leaves need chopping, too)
grass clippings
pine needles and pine cones
coffee grounds (get friendly with your local barista!)
low-growing ground covers
chop and drop your plants
seaweed (I used to fill lawn bags with it at my parent's cottage and bring it home)
Further reading
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