AUGUST
August is the month that summer takes its last breath, and fall starts to awaken.
- Charmaine J Forde
KEEP PLANTS VIBRANT WITH DEAD-HEADING
As flowers fade and wither, remove them from the plant to encourage additional blooming. Removing spent flowers from plants is also a fire-smart method of reducing combustible fuel in your landscape. Learn more about keeping your landscape lean, clean, and green.
PROTECTING PLANTS FROM HEAT STRESS
Plants have a limited ability to regulate temperature and can begin to experience heat stress in temperatures above 86°. Signs that a plant is suffering from heat stress include wilting, drooping leaves and even sunburn on leaves in excessive exposure to direct sunlight. With prolonged heat stress, plants will become vulnerable to insect attacks. Click here to learn how you can help protect your plants from heat stress.
WALKABLE LAWN ALTERNATIVES
Whether you want to turn your lawn into a new low-water walkable surface or a mosaic of blooming perennials, there are plenty of plants to choose from. The best way to convert a conventional lawn is with sheet mulching. Here's more on how to replace a lawn (and how to decide what to put there instead).
EDIBLES TO PLANT IN AUGUST
Sow from seed carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and radish. Start to transplant broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, chard, collard greens, kale, lettuce, bunching onions, and peas. Click here for a monthly planting schedule.