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August TIPS
Make notes for next year while things are blooming.
Dig potatoes after the tops have died down.
Prune strawberry runners to keep the bed orderly.
Buy fall mums.
Water newly planted shrubs and trees.
Stop pruning shrubs.
Don't fertilize any more until leaves begin to change. Fertilizing in late summer causes growth which will probably be "nipped" by frost.
Water evergreens thoroughly during dry weather.
Sow forget-me-not seed. It makes an attractive carpet planting for tulip beds.
Sow poppy seeds. August sown seed gives richer-colored flowers.
Cut off foliage of bleeding hearts which has become unsightly.
Fertilize peonies and work it into the soil. Transplant or divide them.
- Cuttings from English Ivy now will produce good house plants for winter.
Set the lawn mower at 2 1/2 to 3 inches to help the grass stay hydrated.
Reseed lawn bare spots with mixed grass seed varieties.
Bring amaryllis inside.
Sow lettuces and greens, carrots, beets and turnips and don't worry about how big they get. They taste wonderful while still immature. Be sure to keep all of these well watered, also, a bit of mulch will keep the tender roots cool.
It's a good time to plant perennials, shrubs and trees. This will allow them to establish some good roots before the ground freezes.
Maine Vegetable Gardening: Keep Your Garden Growing - Plant From Spring To Fall
| Early Spring | Midspring | Early Summer | Midsummer to Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant as soon as the ground can be worked | Plant two weeks before the average last frost date | Plant when soil & sun are warm | Plant in late June-early July |
| PLANTS | PLANTS | PLANTS | PLANTS |
| Broccoli Cabbage | Cauliflower | Eggplant Pepper Tomato | Beet Broccoli Carrot Cauliflower Lettuce Radish |
| SEEDS | SEEDS | SEEDS | SEEDS |
| Endive Lettuce Onion Sets Pea Radish Spinach Turnip | Beet Carrot Onion Sets Parsnips Swiss Chard | Cucumber Lima Beans Melon Okra Pumpkin Squash Winter Potatoes | Beet Broccoli Carrot Cauliflower Lettuce Radish |
| Plant 1 Week Later | Plant In Early August | ||
| Bean Corn Early Potatoes | Broccoli * Cabbage * Cauliflower * SEEDS: Lettuce Spinach Turnip &nsbp; Plant 10 Weeks Before Last Frost SEEDS: Beet Carrot |
*Plants are set out later than seeds as sown because hot weather is not favorable for growth
| Planting Seeds Indoors | Weeks To Sow Indoors Before Last Frost | Weeks To Germination | Set Out Transplants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 5-7 | 1-2 | After frost, late summer |
| Brussel Sprouts | 4-6 | 1-2 | After frost, late summer |
| Cabbage | 5-8 | 1-2 | After frost, late summer |
| Cauliflower | 5-8 | 1-2 | After frost, late summer |
| Cucumbers | 2-3 | 1-2 | 2 weeks after frost |
| Eggplant | 8-9 | 2-3 | Midspring, early summer |
| Leeks | 10-12 | 2-3 | Mid to late spring |
| Head Lettuce | 3-5 | 2-3 | After frost |
| Onions | 6-8 | 2-3 | After frost |
| Peppers | 8-10 | 1-2 | Mid to late spring |
| Tomatoes | 6-8 | 2-3 | Mid to late spring |