Don’t be discouraged as August’s heat and dryness take their toll on your flower beds. This happens to most of us. At least this August has given us some much-needed rainfall. I know that on August 16th I got nearly 5 inches of rain. The last week of August we cooled down. This scenario couldn’t be any better as we get ready for September and the FALL PLANTING SEASON.
Instead of being discouraged, look ahead to the coming days of fall when the weather will be more hospitable for you and your plants. Until then, continue weeding and deadheading as usual and remove tired plants suffering from heat, insect, or disease damage.
Here is a thought to think about doing in August – EXPAND YOUR LANDSCAPE BEDS. With this expansion, you are reducing your lawn and turf. This is a good thing – especially during these economic challenges that we are all having to deal with these past few years. Did you know that maintaining a good-looking lawn can be very expensive with all the fertilizing, seeding, and sprays?
Once you clear and clean up the landscaper garden beds you are ready to be creative once again as to what you want to plant and the look you want to create. You may want to rejuvenate the soil by adding some organic matter such as composted cow manure, mushroom compost, and Leaf Gro compost. Also, consider using the Espoma Bio Tone with the new plantings. Bio Tone aids with root development.
Now for the good part – I have a great suggestion to share with you.
Consider planting some cool-season vegetables into these flower beds for interesting color and texture. You may be thinking “no way” and laugh at my suggestion! But, take a step back and think about this idea of planting edibles in these gardens this fall. Lettuce varieties, for example, can be quite ornamental with their variable shapes and colors. Also, consider blending purple cabbage, Swiss chard, spinach, and other attractive greens into these planting beds. Think about being able to go outside and pick freshly grown vegetables to make salads. Start small but think about turning one or two beds into edible gardens and enjoy the benefits of harvesting edibles and saving money at the same time. Bottom line there is nothing wrong with planting some vegetables in your gardens in and around your established landscape shrubs. It works and you can enjoy fresh pickings and save money at the same time.
Fall will be here soon so “PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS”