Hillermann's Top Tips for August

1. Permethrin granules (Lawn Insect Control) can be applied until mid-August.

2. Annuals may appear leggy and worn out. These can be cut back hard and fertilized to produce a new flush of bloom.

3. Deadhead annuals and perennials as needed.

4. Feed mums, asters and other fall-blooming perennials with liquid fertilizer for the last time.

5. Divide bleeding heart, bloodroot and oriental poppy.

6. Continue to spray roses with Fertilome Rose Spray to prevent black spot and other fungus diseases as well as any infestations.

7. Roses should receive no further nitrogen fertilizer after August 15 to prevent the production of late tender growth that would be damaged by fall frosts.

8. Soak shrubs periodically during dry spells with enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches.

9. Prune to shape hedges for the last time this season.

10. Second generation pine needle scale crawlers may be present on Mugho Pine now. Treat with Bonide Horticultural Oil.

11. Monitor plants for spider mite activity. Hose these plants off with a forceful spray of water or spray with Bonide Eight (with permethrin), Fertilome Malathion or Hi-Yield Kelthane.

12. Once bagworms reach full size, insecticides are ineffective. Pruning off and burning large bags provides better control.

13. Watch for fall webworm activity. Apply Fertilome Bagworm and Tent Caterpillar Spray when spotted.

14. Spray black locust trees now to protect against damage by the locust borer.

15. Apply borer control to susceptible trees (ash, birch, dogwood, maple, etc.) or trees with a history of borer problems. Spray along trunk from ground to first rung of branches with Bonide Eight (with permethrin) at a strong concentration.

16. Spray peach and other stone fruits now to protect against peach tree borer. Sprays will also be necessary to protect late peaches from oriental fruit moth damage. The sprays include Fertilome Fruit Tree Spray or Fertilome Borer Spray.

17. Prop up branches of fruit trees that are threatening to break under the weight of a heavy crop.

18. Continue to spray ripening fruits with Fertilome Fruit Spray to prevent brown rot fungus.

19. Protect ripening fruits from birds by covering plants with a netting (available at Hillermann‘s).

20. Cultivate strawberries and apply weed preventer immediately after fertilizing.

21. Pinch the growing tips of gourds once adequate fruit set is achieved. This directs energy into ripening fruits, rather than vine production.

22. Cure onions in a warm dry place for 2 weeks before storing.

23. Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower transplants should be set out for the fall garden. Also sow seeds of lettuce, radish, beans, beets, spinach and turnips now. (Spinach may germinate better if seeds are refrigerated).