Perennials:

• When planting in August keep making additions. Don’t be afraid of expanding this time of year. For instance, dig and divide iris poppies and other spring-blooming perennials.
• Mulch perennial gardens if you haven’t done so yet. Use evergreen needles if you have them. This will keep beds moist and cool.
• Don’t do any fertilizing. This will cause problems with survival during the winter months.
• Keep watering, especially new plantings. They require about an inch of water a week.
• Continue deadheading to prevent reseeding and to prolong blooming.

Shrubs:

• Check all shrubs for water stress. Prioritize if water bans come in order.
• Overwatering plants suffer root rot, shallow watered plants are more susceptible to drought. Monitor closely.
• Replenish mulch in August with a 2-to-3-inch layer. Do not bury the crowns.
• No fertilizing is needed in August here either.

Lawns:

• Don’t kill the yard. Keep mowing at 3 to 3 ½ inches. Cut newly sod grass as soon as it is well-rooted. The early part of the month is focused on sustaining the lawn.
• Proper care, whether the grass is dormant or growing, will help the lawn survive the heat and drought.
• As temps cool, you will notice the improvement in the health and appearance of your lawn.
• An established irrigated lawn should receive 1 inch of water when it shows signs of wilting.

If you have any doubts or lawn care questions, stop in and talk to a Heritage Hill Nursery representative.