Hello, fellow Central Florida gardeners! As we gear up for August, it's time to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty. Today, I want to dive into the world of gardening, specifically tailored to our unique climate and conditions. So, grab your gardening gloves and let's explore the to-do list that will ensure your garden thrives this month.
A Gardener's Guide to August
August in Central Florida is a month of transition and preparation. With an average high of 92 degrees and a generous rainfall of 6.25 inches, it's a time when our gardens can flourish with the right care and attention. Let's break down the tasks at hand and explore some expert tips to make the most of this vibrant season.
Moon Phases and Planting
One of the key considerations for any gardener is the moon's phases. In August, we have a last quarter moon on the 5th, a new moon on the 12th, a first quarter on the 19th, and a full moon on the 28th. These phases guide our planting schedule, especially for those who believe in the lunar gardening calendar. For instance, above-ground crops like cantaloupe, cucumbers, and tomatoes are best planted on the 13th, 14th, 18th, 19th, 23rd, and 24th, while below-ground crops such as lima beans and okra should be sown on the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 28th, and 29th.
Vegetable and Fruit Care
August is the month to start a new, warm-season garden. Most crops should be planted around mid-August to ensure they have enough time to mature before the cooler months. It's also not too late to start tomato, pepper, and eggplant transplants from seed, but hurry! These seedlings need to be fertilized every other week with a half-strength fertilizer solution to give them a strong start.
When it comes to choosing a site for your garden, opt for a sunny spot with easy access to water. Prepare the soil by removing summer weeds, tilling the ground, and testing the soil acidity. Adjust the pH if necessary to create the perfect environment for your plants. Enrich the soil with garden soils, organic matter, and composted manure to give your vegetables and fruits the nutrients they need to thrive.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the mention of nematode-resistant tomato varieties. Nematodes can be a real pain for gardeners, but by choosing resistant varieties and taking steps like planting in nematode-free soil or using solarization treatment, we can minimize their impact. It's a great example of how understanding the challenges of our unique environment can lead to more successful gardening practices.
Flower Power
In addition to vegetables and fruits, August is a great time to plant flowers, especially those that attract pollinators. Angelonia, black-eyed Susan vine, butterfly weed, and pentas are just a few of the many flowers that will not only add beauty to your garden but also encourage pollination, leading to better fruit set. It's a win-win situation!
Lawn and Landscape Care
Our lawns and landscapes also require attention during August. With the summer rains, previously dry turf may have a new lease of life, but it's important to check for common summer problems like rot, chinch bugs, and caterpillars. Lawns in dense shade may thin out, which is normal, but if you notice yellowing grass, it could be a sign of take-all root rot or nutrient deficiency. A liquid fertilizer can help regreen the lawn in such cases.
When it comes to landscape care, summer is a great time to add new plants. Select plants that will grow to the right height for your site to avoid excessive pruning. Make sure the root balls are moist at planting and create berms at the edge to catch water, especially during the summer rains. Tough bedding plants like bush daisy and classic zinnias can withstand the heat, and inviting pollinators with flowers like butterfly weed and pentas will add beauty and benefit to your garden.
Houseplants and Foliage
Even our houseplants and foliage need some love and attention in August. Mealy bugs and scale insects can cause plants to decline, so it's important to control these pests with insecticidal soaps. Trimming foliage plants encourages dense new growth, and it's a great time to make cuttings of your favorite plants to propagate. Feeding houseplants and foliage on the patio with a slow-release fertilizer every other week will keep them healthy and happy.
Final Thoughts
August in Central Florida is a busy month for gardeners, but with the right knowledge and care, our gardens can thrive. From understanding the moon's phases to tackling specific challenges like nematodes and pests, we can create beautiful and productive gardens. So, let's get out there, get our hands dirty, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables!) of our labor. Happy gardening, everyone!
