Container gardens require careful attention to irrigation in the Fresno County climate. Don't neglect them even as the weather cools.(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Tasks

• To prevent germination of winter weeds like annual bluegrass (Poa annua) and chickweed, apply pre-emergent herbicide following label instructions.
• Give special attention to watering container plants.
• Harvest and dry herbs.
• Divide spring and summer blooming bulbs.

Pruning

• Do not apply any treatments to pruning cuts or other wounds because these materials are ineffective and often are detrimental.
• Sharpen your pruning tools in preparation for fall pruning.

Planting

• Fall is a great time to plant trees and perennials.  Roots become well established during cool winter months, allowing plants to cope with the following summer's heat and aridity without additional stress.
• Be sure to provide sufficient water and shade while new trees and shrubs settle into the landscape.
• Citrus and avocado trees planted in late summer or fall may require additional frost protection this winter if new growth hasn't sufficiently hardened off by the time temperatures fall below freezing.
• Wait until winter to plant bareroot stock like roses or stone fruit trees.

Enjoy now

• Annuals and perennials:  lisianthus (Eustoma), zinnia, moss pink (Phlox subulata), geranium (Pelargonium)
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: spider lily (Lycoris)
• Trees, shrubs, vines:  lantana, trumpet vine (Campsis)
• Fruits and vegetables:  chilies, grapes, melon, peach.
• If the squash harvest is too abundant, pick the flowers for stuffing.

Things to ponder

• Nut and citrus trees need regular deep irrigation to produce good quality crops.
• Some cities have recently relaxed watering rules to allow irrigation of some food-producing gardens more frequently than twice a week. Check with your local agency before altering your own watering schedule.

Fava beans are among the few vegetables that can be planted from seed in August. (Photo: Wikimedia Comons)

Tasks

• Use old vegetable plants and summer annuals to start a compost pile.  Add fall leaves as they drop from trees.
• Do not wait for a potted plant to droop before watering it, since roots will be damaged by the time a plant shows stress.
• Harvest vegetables to prevent them from setting seed.
• Renew mulch.

Pruning

• Support any heavily laden branches of fruit and nut trees.
• Cut back annuals and perennials to encourage growth and rebloom.

Fertilizing

• Feed vegetables at only ¼ the recommended rate to avoid a flush of tender young growth.
• Fertilize chrysanthemums, asters, and other fall blooming perennials for the last time.

Planting

• Wait until next month to plant, if possible.
• A few winter vegetables may be planted by seed this month. Consult the California Garden Web (https://cagardenweb.ucanr.edu/) for more information.

Enjoy now

• Annuals and perennials: Begonia semperflorens, vinca (Catharanthus), coreopsis, cosmos, dianthus.
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: dahlia, naked ladies (Amaryllis)
• Trees, shrubs, vines: lantana, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia)
• Fruits and vegetables: corn, eggplant, grapes, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes.

Things to ponder

• Many landscapes have a few bare spots by now. Consider replacing missing plants with California natives.
• While daytime temperatures remain in the 90s or 100s, drought-stressed foliage can be damaged by applications of horticultural oils or pesticides.

Take a stroll through your garden with a morning cup of coffee or tea.

There are many varieties of ornamental grasses that can be used as a drought-tolerant alternative to turfgrass. This display is at the Clovis Botanical Garden. (Photo: Jeannette Warnert)

• Collect ripened seeds of favorites and store for next year.
• Start planning for fall planting. Select plants that are resistant to common diseases and insect pests and choose an appropriate site for each one.
• Stake tall or top-heavy plants such as dahlias and lilies.

Pruning

• While cutting and deadheading roses, prune lightly to shape bushes and encourage fall bloom.
• Prune apricot, oleander and olive trees now to avoid future disease problems.

Fertilizing

• Apply a complete fertilizer to warm season lawns such as Bermuda and zoysia at the rate of 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn.

Planting

• Be patient. Planting season starts next month - anything planted in August is not likely to survive through September.

Enjoy now

• Annuals and perennials: yarrow (Achillea), floss flower (Ageratum), aster.
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: Autumn crocus.
• Trees, shrubs, vines: abelia, bluebeard (Caryopteris) smoke tree (Cotinus)
• Fruits and vegetables: apple, beans, bell peppers, nectarines, summer herbs.

Things to ponder

• If you do not use your lawn area, consider replacing it with a drought-tolerant planting area or vegetable garden.
• Potted plants benefit from mulch to reduce evaporation and suppress weeds.

Drought tip

• As summer begins to wind down, adjust irrigation timers to reflect fall's shorter days and cooler temperatures.

Irrigate ripening cucumbers carefully to avoid over and under watering. (Photo: PxHere)

Tasks

• Check drip emitters to adjust flow and unclog them if needed.
• Lightly trim lavenders after they have finished flowering to keep them compact.
• Support any heavily laden branches of fruit and nut trees.
• Water citrus being careful not to overwater. Continuously wet soil in the upper few inches risks root rot.

Pruning

• Deadhead roses, remove suckers and unwanted branches, and prune to improve air circulation.
• Divide iris every 2 or 3 years and replant new rhizomes.

Fertilizing

• Lightly fertilize annuals and roses for fall bloom.

Planting

• Any planting this month (including trees and shrubs) will require adequate water and sun protection.
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: Watsonia.
• Fruits and vegetables: lettuce, mustard, peas, potatoes, spinach, Swiss chard, turnips (plant from seed).

Enjoy now

• Annuals and perennials: petunia, annual phlox (Phlox drummondii), moss rose (Portulaca), sage (Salvia), Stokes' aster (Stokesia), verbena, zinnia.
• Bulbs, corms, tubers: lily (Lilium asiatic hybrid).
• Trees, shrubs, vines: desert willow (Chilopsis), rose, chaste tree (Vitex).
• Fruits and vegetables: cantaloupe, plum, tomato, tomatillo, squash.

Things to ponder

• Do not allow vegetables to dry out - but do not over water either. A consistent, even supply of moisture prevents bitterness in cucumbers and cracking and poor fruit quality in tomatoes.
• Standing water, even in the very smallest container, can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Browse fall catalogs to order seeds and bulbs for winter and spring.