Johnson's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2008
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/tips.html

A U G U S T   2 0 0 8

SUMMER CARE
    The extreme heat of August can stress plants and people. This may be
especially true this year because of the consistent rain we had into
July. Now, without that constant moisture, plants can be even more
shocked and deal with the change by dropping leaves prematurely. There
are some cool tips to help our green friends make it through until fall.
Mulching around the roots is the first thing. Mulch keeps the root zone
cooler, conserves moisture and keeps weeds down. Cedar mulch is the best
to use around trees and shrubs; because of its fibrous nature it stays
in place well. Cottonseed hulls are good in annual and vegetable beds.
They also bind together to stay in place and then can be worked into the
soil to improve it between seasons.
    The soil may be mulched and moist but plants can still tip burn and
wilt. Heat and wind can take moisture out of the leaves faster than
roots can return it. This is especially true of new plantings. Something
that can help is spraying vulnerable plants with Wilt Stop. Wilt Stop is
an anti-transpirant which forms a coating on the leaves. This protective
coating keeps water in, reducing moisture loss during times of stress.
Water plants first, then spray foliage with Wilt Stop. Let it dry for 6
hours before watering overhead.

FALL PLANTING
    Extend the vegetable growing season by keeping existing plants
healthy. Fertilize regularly with a light water soluble application of
ferti-lome Blooming & Rooting. Continue spraying for diseases and
insects if you've had problems. Many vegetables will produce into the
fall months if properly fertilized and sprayed.
    Another way to lengthen the season is by planting a fall garden.
Vegetables which can be planted now for fall harvest include: beans,
beets, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, cucumbers, carrots, kale,
potatoes, lettuce, mustard, radishes, spinach and turnips. Use
ferti-lome granular Gardener's Special when planting.

LAWN CARE
    Cool-season grasses will also be struggling now to get used to hot
weather. Watch for dry areas and adjust sprinklers to insure good
coverage.
    If your lawn is getting enough water, but is still turning brown,
grubs may be at work. Dig under the green grass next to the brown areas
and you'll find these 'C' shaped beetle larva. They are small and easy
to control now. Apply an insecticide like Dylox, contained in Bayer 24
Hour Grub Control, and water in well.
    August is the time to start fall lawn renovation if you need to get
rid of bermuda. Water and even fertilize bermuda to make it healthy so
it will absorb the herbicide better. Spray Hi-Yield  Super Concentrate
KILLZALL on the bermuda. KILLZALL is non-selective so it will eradicate
all the grass in the targeted area. After 1 week, water to green up
anything left alive, then 10 days to 2 weeks later spray again. You may
need to repeat the process and spray a third time. Once the bermuda is
dead you?ll be ready to seed fescue in September. For more information
visit our web site at www.johnsonsgarden.com/advice.html.

PESTS
    Euonymus Scale -- those white and brown flecks are insects sucking
the color and life out of euonymus shrubs. The most effective time to
spray is when  there is a new hatching of crawlers. The first set is in
June; the second generation hatches in August. So spray in August with
Hi-Yield Indoor/Outdoor Broad Use Insecticide, Bayer Advance Garden
Power Force Multi Insect Killer or Systemic Insecticide.
    Webworms -- these insects form unsightly webs around the ends of
branches and feed on the leaves inside. Isolated webs can be pruned off.
To spray, first rip open the web then use Carbaryl (Sevin) or Hi-Yield
Indoor/Outdoor Broad Use Insecticide.
    Rabbits / Squirrels -- if entire plants are dug up or branches are
disappearing, you could have a larger pest problem. One single repellent
doesn't seem to work for everyone, but the newer the product the better
because the animals are unfamiliar with it. Liquid Fence and Repels All
are both scent and taste repellents that, once dry, won't wash off;
although you will have to re-spray new foliage.