August 2009 Gardening Checklist

Hollyhocks

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• Begin stocking up gardening supplies before they are removed for the season from retailers' shelves. Preen Garden Weed Preventer, pots, potting mixes and fertilizers and other products may be harder to find later in the season.
  
• Keep newly established shrubs, trees, perennials, ground covers and grass well watered during dry spells. New plants should receive an inch of water every seven to 10 days.
  
• Don't fertilize woody plants now. It stimulates green growth that will not have time to harden off before winter.
  
• Order spring-flowering bulbs for fall planting. Store in cool, dry place. Plant in late fall and early winter.
  
• Sow seeds for biennials, such as hollyhocks or foxgloves, or transplant seedlings for blooms next year.
  
• Complete fall vegetable planting by directly sowing seeds of carrots, beets, kohlrabi, kale and snap beans early this month. Lettuce, spinach and green onions can be planted later in August and early September. Thin seedlings as required.
  
• Pick beans, tomatoes, peppers and squash often to encourage more production.