Gardening Calendar

Ornamentals

• Deadhead annuals and perennials as needed.
• Week 1-2: Feed mums, asters and other fall-blooming perennials for the last time.
• Weeks 1-2: Powdery mildew on lilacs is unsightly, but causes no harm and rarely warrants control, though common rose fungicides will prove effective.
• Weeks 1-2: Prune to shape hedges for the last time this season.
• Weeks 2-4: If you want to grow big dahlia . owers, keep side shoots pinched off and plants watered and fertilized regularly
• Weeks 2-4: Evergreens can be planted or transplanted now to ensure good rooting before winter arrives. Water both the plant and the planting site several days before moving.
• Weeks 2-4: Order bulbs now for fall planting.

Fruits

• Week 1: Thornless blackberries are ripening now.
• Weeks 1-3: Continue to spray ripening fruits to prevent brown rot fungus.
• Weeks 2-3: Spray peach and other stone fruits now to protect against peach tree borers.

Vegetables

• Compost or till under residues from harvested crops.
• Weeks 1-3: Sow seeds of beans, beets, spinach & turnips now for the fall garden. Spinach may germinate better if seeds are refrigerated for one week before planting.
• Weeks 2-4: Begin planting lettuce and radishes for fall now.
• Weeks 2-4: Pinch growing tips of gourds once adequate fruit set is achieved. This directs energy into ripening fruits, rather than vine production.

Turfgrass

• Weeks 1-2: Apply insecticides now for grub control on lawns being damaged by their activity.
• Weeks 1-2: Zoysia lawns can receive their . nal fertilizer application now.
• Weeks 3-4: Lawns scheduled for renovation this fall should be killed with Roundup now. Have soil tested to determine fertility needs.

Miscellaneous

• Soak shrubs periodically during dry spells with enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches.
• Weeks 1-2: Spray black locust trees now to protect against damage by the locust borer.

*Note: We will now include the gardening calendar for the next month rather than the current month.