Gardening Suggestions for August

August in Houston presents some of the most challenging gardening conditions due to the intense heat.  Hot and dry conditions are common. Appropriate plant irrigation and water conservation becomes crucial.

• Lawns: Maintain high mowing height. Continue mowing St. Augustine and Bermuda grass at a higher setting (~3.5-4 inches) to shade the soil and retain moisture.
• Bulbs: Continue watering caladiums, lilies,…
• Annuals/Perennials/Roses /Tropical Plants/Shrubs: Monitor for pests/diseases. Ensure adequate watering.
• Fruit Trees: Continue monitoring for pests and diseases. Ensure adequate watering.
• Palms: Water deeply and regularly during dry spells. Check for any signs of heat stress.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize.
• Weed Control: Hand-pull weeds. Continue to replenish the mulch as this suppresses weeds. 
• Pests: Whiteflies, mealybugs,…
• Diseases: Fungal diseases, root rot,
• Watering: Water deeply and infrequently preferably in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
• Suggestions for your Landscaping Crew: Continue to replenish the mulch as it retains moisture. Ask the crew to monitor soil moisture levels - is a part of the garden getting “too much or too little” water? Suggest to the crew that they regularly check and adjust irrigation systems for optimal performance. Ensure sprinkler heads are directed correctly to avoid water waste. Overwatering is a common and costly mistake and it can kill some plants and make some plant susceptible to diseases.  Ask the crew to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation or disease. Early detection of plant problems saves time and money on treatments.
• Garden Cost Managment: Irrigation management is crucial due to increasing temperatures and potential drought conditions. Consider using soaker hoses or drip irrigation. These systems deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation. Use this time to plan for fall planting. This can help prevent impulse purchases later.