August Garden Notes for the Gulf South
August in New Orleans is a lost month for gardeners—it's too hot to do much more than the absolute necessities! The weeds don't have enough sense to stop growing, so they will definitely need to be dealt with. Pull as many as possible and spray the rest, then put down some more mulch. This will also help if the rains quit coming.
We have gotten some rain lately so the watering chore is somewhat less—but keep your eye on the weather and make sure your plants are getting at least 1" a week. Of course, now our main concern is to have no standing water around for mosquitos to breed in—empty saucers under pots and change water in bird baths and pet bowls regularly.
It is time for one more feeding for your lawn—also, be on the lookout for chinch bugs and brown patch. Sod webworms and army worms may be on the march now as well.
August is the latest evergreen shrubs should be pruned before winter. Roses can be cut back lightly now to produce a great fall bloom. Cut back long lived annuals like impatiens and vinca for a renewed fall blooms. Cut out new growth on wisteria—it blooms only on old wood.
This is the last month to feed lawns and shrubs. I'm not a big believer in feeding lawns—so I only recommend it if the grass is not thriving. The same is true for hardy shrubs. Bedding plants are another matter—and of course, roses love to be fed.
There are a few things to plant now—including daylilies, agapanthus, liriope, ajuga, sedum—all of which can also be divided now if necessary. Now through September is the time to plant and divide Louisiana iris.
Things start to look up in September—even though it is still hot in the daytime. Let's hope no hurricanes come our way!
