Gardening Tips for the Month of August

Believe it or not, it’s already time to start trimming and cutting back your overgrown annuals and perennials and prepping them for the fall. Follow these tips for your yard and garden in the month of July. 

  • Proper watering is crucial in August. Apply one to two inches of water per week to -landscaping. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, as it allows moisture to penetrate the soil before evaporation occurs.
  • Mulch for Moisture: Apply a layer of mulch around plants and flower beds to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like wood chips or shredded bark work best in retaining moisture.
  • Keep an eye out for webworms in trees. Use a garden hose to blast them out of the trees with water or cut them out with pole pruners.
  • Plant vegetable crops, including corn, tomatoes, and beans, for fall harvest.
  • Plant seasonal annuals such as marigolds and ornamental peppers for fall interest.

By following these care tips, you can maintain a lush and thriving yard and garden throughout the hot Texas summer. Remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun while working outdoors. Embrace the beauty of nature and enjoy the rewards of your well-tended landscape. Happy gardening!

See the August calendar of events at the Dallas Arboretum by scanning this QR code.