August In The Garden In Castro Valley

CASTRO VALLEY, CA — August arrived with perfect summertime weather in Castro Valley — sunny but not too hot. And, for a change, gardeners can water vegetables, berries, trees and ornamentals as needed without drought restrictions in place.

Besides picking and savoring the fruits (and veggies) of your labor, what should you do in August?

Here is a checklist of chores from the UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County.

• Fertilize, water, deadhead, etc.
• Begin planting cool crops for fall and winter harvest. Cole crops (broccoli, mustard, cabbage, etc.), beets, carrots, lettuce (provide shade), green onions, potatoes, peas, etc. Wait until September in hotter climates.
• Start seeds of cool-season annuals (calendula, stock, etc.).
• Check to be sure that your irrigation system is working and meets the needs of your garden with the calculator for estimating water needs.