THE ACTIVITY OF CHANGING SEASONS

Today it is damp, dreary and we may have cool weather for several days.  A few days earlier it was gorgeous.  I could have done with out the wind, but sounds as if I'm complaining and I am not.  I said, "Who needs to work in the garden or yard on a day like this?  Certainly not me."  Sitting on my deck with a cool drink I could totally forget that there were weeds to be removed, pots to be emptied and washed, indoor plants that have been outside that needed to be transplanted or cleaned, fed and prepared for indoor living.

But days like today help us take a look at what we need to do in the days ahead.  Such as, what about our outdoor plants?  It is past August 15th - we shouldn't be fertilizing any more.  We want the plants to start winding down, settling in for the winter.  These plants need to be building good root systems not producing more foliage or flowers.  If you are on a spray program, continue until a light frost.  If not, now is a good time to give your plants an insecticidal spray.  We seem to have lots of insecs this year and they are all laying eggs in anticipattion of a prolific season next year.

We need rain badly.  Today's rain isn't sufficient.  Keep watering. Don't forget to water your trees and shrubs.  They are so thirsty their leaves have curled, some turned brown, but we hope their roots haven't turned up their toes and gone to sleep for good.  So, do keep up the watering.  Your plants won't mind if you use the dish water, bath water, dirty water from cleaning the deck or the car - just keep the liquid coming.

Those plants that bloomed late in the summer can now be pruned.  Just don't prune those that bloomed last spring.  They have or are setting buds for next spring's blooms.  If you want blooms next spring pruning now is a "NO".

Now is a good time to take a critical look at your garden.  Determine if there are perennial plants that need to be divided.  Perhaps you want them elsewhere or there are just too many.  By the first of October you can dig and transplant those perennials or anytime now you can dig and remove unwanted plants.  That way you will have a heads up on spring chores.  Maybe even a new place to plant bulds this fall or some new plants next spring.

Japanese Beetles have retired for this year.  But, if you dig down several inches you may find grubs ... grubs that are eating the turf, grubs getting fat and preparing for winter growth so they will be hale and hearty as full grown Japanese Beetles next spring and summer.  Put down the "Grub X" now.  Put it in the lawn and the garden areas.  (There are other products, but nothing is foolproof.)  We won't eraducate the beetles.  They have been on the East Coast since the 1920s.  Perhaps we will be able to control somewhat until science comes up with a solution.  These beetles can travel hundreds of miles and until everyone in your neighborhood, your area, your city treats for them we won't be rid of them.  So, folks, it is highly unlikely it will happen.

What about those cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes?  We've had some bumper crops.  If you don't grow vegetables, check out your church, your workplace, farmer's market or you neighbor.  Most of us are donating extra produce and we'd be happy to share with you.