{"id":2156,"date":"2018-08-01T14:15:10","date_gmt":"2018-08-01T18:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greatbiggreenhouse.com\/?p=2156"},"modified":"2018-08-01T14:15:10","modified_gmt":"2018-08-01T18:15:10","slug":"august-gardening-chores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meadowsfarms.com\/great-big-greenhouse-gardening-blog\/august-gardening-chores\/","title":{"rendered":"TALKING GARDENING with DOUG – August Gardening Chores"},"content":{"rendered":"

THE MONTH OF AUGUST CAN BE VIEWED AS THE \u201cGATEWAY TO FALL\u201d AND TO THE FALL PLANTING SEASON.<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s recap July.\u00a0 The only complaint I am hearing from homeowners and landscapers is with all the rainy days.\u00a0 I can agree.\u00a0 All this rain is leading to an increase in plants dying from root rot and all the fungal issues such as powdery mildew.\u00a0 With information from Andrew Freiden, NBC weather, we had over 5 and a half inches of rain for July, which is above average.\u00a0 This puts us nearly 16 inches rain above average for the year.\u00a0 Some of us have experienced more rain and some less rain than these official numbers\u00a0 –\u00a0 all depends on where you live around the Richmond area.\u00a0 Now, here we are at the beginning of August.\u00a0 What does Mother Nature have in store for us?\u00a0 Who knows.\u00a0 But one thing is for sure – now is the time to get our act together and prepare for the upcoming fall planting season.<\/p>\n

You may ask yourself \u201chow is fall a better time to plant than waiting until next spring?\u201d\u00a0 \u201cWhat if we have a cold winter like we experienced last year?\u201d\u00a0 According to the CENTRAL VIRGINIA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION, there are several great reasons for planting in the fall:<\/p>\n

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  1. In the fall, we have cooler temperatures.\u00a0 However, the soil remains warm and encourages root growth.\u00a0 With mild weather, roots may continue to grow through the entire winter.<\/li>\n
  2. In spring, established roots begin new growth and develop faster than plants planted in spring.<\/li>\n
  3. Plant roots have seven to nine months to develop prior to our traditional, hot, and humid summers increasing their rate of survival.<\/li>\n
  4. Increased amounts of rainfall and cooler temperatures in the fall provide plants the perfect environment to develop.<\/li>\n
  5. In the fall, there are fewer pests and disease problems to interfere with plant development.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    I say this every year at this time.\u00a0 Right now is the time to do a soil test.\u00a0 I can\u2019t stress the importance of knowing your soil when it comes to the health and performance of plants.\u00a0 Do a soil test now.\u00a0 Send the soil off to Virginia Tech and you will have the results back in 2 or 3 weeks \u2013 just in time for the fall season.\u00a0 Soil test kits can be picked up at all Chesterfield Public libraries.\u00a0 Better yet, I have quite a few kits here.\u00a0 They are free.\u00a0 Come to see me and I will be happy to give you a kit.\u00a0 The cost of a routine test is only $10.00.\u00a0 This investment in a soil test could save you a lot of money in unneeded soil products.<\/p>\n