Those living and gardening in the Ohio Valley know that the arrival of August means a time of progress and change in the home garden. Though the temperatures are still quite warm, there is no doubt that the arrival of fall is growing near. Learning more about gardening tasks for the Ohio Valley in August can help you stay ahead and work towards the completion of everything before the arrival of cooler weather in September.
Careful planning will also allow gardeners to make the most out of their usable space in the coming months.
August To-Do List
Though vegetable garden production often begins to slow down in this month, the August to-do list continues to grow. For those who have not been sowing in succession, many vegetable plants will need to be harvested and preserved at this time.
Beans, sweet corn, peppers, tomatoes, and squash are all at peak ripeness. Long season watermelon and cantaloupe are also ready for harvesting during this time.
The harvest of crops and clearing of the garden is especially convenient for those thinking about fall. By the beginning of August, cole crops like broccoli and cauliflower should be transplanted into their final location.
The middle of the month also marks the last chance to complete regional garden chores such as direct sowing root vegetables and many leafy greens for late fall production.
Gardening Tasks for the Ohio Valley
Other gardening tasks for the Ohio Valley in preparation for fall include propagation of ornamental plants by cuttings. Plants such as pelargonium, coleus, and begonias are not hardy to this growing zone. For this reason, it will be necessary to begin rooting cuttings in order to overwinter them indoors.
Ohio Valley gardening conditions in the winter do, however, support the growth of many flowering bulbs. With ample chill hours to come, growers can begin ordering flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.
Many gardening tasks for the Ohio Valley will remain consistent in August. This includes weeding and irrigation. Since the month of August marks a considerable decrease in rainfall, many containers and ornamental plantings may need weekly watering.
Fertilization of plants and shrubs should also cease at this time, as growth begins to slow in preparation for winter and dormancy approaches.
Continue to routinely monitor for pests on susceptible plants.