August

These suggestions for your garden are intended for central Texas.  However, if you are not in central Texas these suggestions may still be helpful but may need to be done earlier or later in the season depending on your location.

 

It is hard to believe it is already time to be thinking about a fall garden. August is a great time to till and prepare your soil for a fall garden. Gypson and composted cottonseed hull are two very good things to till in. Both of these materials will help the soil stay loose and lower the alkalinity. As a general rule, most of the seed for your warm season vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, beans, and etc.) should be planted around the 1st of August. Starter plants should be in by the 15th. The cool season vegetables (broccoli, carrots, lettuce, cabbage, and etc) go in September.

 

In the lawn keep a eye out for chinch bugs. This is an insect that thrives in the heat and can do a lot of damage in a very short time. The damage shows up usually in full sun areas as an ill defined area where the grass thins and dies. This insect is easily controlled with an application of Hi-Yield Kill-a-bug Granules.  In a one week these insects can do a lot of damage.

 

Mark S. Ney   

Certified Texas Nursery Professional #4749