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In August, Central Texas gardeners face the challenge of managing the heat and dry conditions. Here are some key gardening tips to help you thrive during this month:

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Watering: Ensure that your plants receive adequate moisture but avoid overwatering. Use a watering system that allows for deep watering without waterlogging.

Deep water new plants. Even if rain comes, check the soil to 3” deep to make sure their roots have water.  A brief shower doesn’t mean it penetrated to the roots.

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Prune

OKAY to prune red oaks and live oaks until February. Spray immediately with pruning paint.

No need to apply pruning paint to other trees

Dead head flowering plants

Early August: lightly prune perennials and roses to encourage fall blooming

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Fertilize

Container annuals

Citrus with high nitrogen fertilizer like Citrus-tone. Fertilize every few weeks through growing season.

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Insects

Watch for aphids and spider mites.   On the lawn watch for Chinch bugs.

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Lawn

Keep that lawn mower setting on high. Keep the roots cool by leaving the grass long. Don’t remove more than 1/3 of the top at a time.

It’s very important to keep the grass high in August. If September brings cooler weather and rain, weed seeds will start to germinate.

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Prep

Start planning the fall garden. Clean up debris in the vegetable garden. Apply compost and mix in organic slow-release granular fertilizer to get ready for fall plantings

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Explore native wildlflower seeds to plant this fall

Collect seeds from summer blooming plants. Clean off the chaff and let dry indoors. Store in jars, envelopes, or paper bags (not plastic) to plant next spring.

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Deeply water new plants. Even if rain comes, check the soil to 3” deep to make sure the soil is moist

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It’s very important to keep the grass high in August. If September brings cooler weather

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Plant

Tomatoes. Peppers, Squash, Melons, Beans, Okra, Sweet potatoes, Eggplant, Greens, and herbs.