August 2008

GARDENING NOTES:
It is time to get strawberry plants in shape for next spring according to John Hobbs, an agriculture and rural development specialist with University of Missouri Extension. An August application of nitrogen on  strawberries is important in order to increase the number of strawberries produced next spring. 
Plenty of daylight and warm temperatures during June, July and August promotes the growth of new runner, or daughter, plants. As daylight hours dwindle and temperatures grow cooler in September and October, fruit buds for the next year's fruit crop develop.  To get a good berry crop next spring, it is important for strawberry plants to be vigorous during this period of fruit bud development.  A general application rate is one-half to three-fourths pound of actual nitrogen per 100 feet of row. Apply fertilizer and water well.  UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI EXTENSION SOUTHWEST REGIONAL NEWS SERVICE

PERENNIAL NOTES:
Perennials that bloom from early spring to early summer are best moved or divided in early to mid autumn.  Bearded Iris are best divided in July or early August, but  you can usually get away with doing this task in early September.  Remember to add compost to beds when renovating plantings. 

Peonies are an early summer bloomer that should only be moved or divided during the autumn.  Try to keep peony divisions large, with a generous amount of woody root and at least 3 to 5 "eyes" or growing points where the stems emerge.  Small divisions can take several years to recover and get large enough to flower nicely.  Peonies are heavy feeders, so take this opportunity to amend the soil.
 
True Lilies (including Asiatic, Oriental, Trumpet and other hybrids) move beautifully during mid autumn. Carefully dig up the clumps, separate the bulbs and replant them immediately. Resist dotting individual bulbs around the garden.  Planted in groups lilies make a much better show in the landscape. Hostas and Daylilies are also easily moved or divided in the fall. Cut back foliage by 1/3 to 1/2 before digging plants to make division easier and reduce wilting.

Wait til spring to transplant Japanese Anemone, most large fall-flowering ornamental grasses and English Lavender (Lavandula).       

August Garden Center Hours  Springfield

Mon - Fri 8 - 6, Sat 8 - 5, Sun 10 - 5

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.  ~  James Dent