August 2002

Ornamental

Watch for aphids. Aphids can be black, green, red or pink. They are slow moving, pear-shaped and about 1/16 - 1/8 inch long. Control with a strong blast of water or use insecticidal soap.

Watch for fall webworm in trees. The caterpillars are tan to yellow, hairy and around one inch long. They spin a silk tent and feed on leaves. Damage is not significant. Control by pruning out webs. Factsheet available.

Avoid pruning trees and shrubs especially late in the month. Pruning at this time can stimulate new growth which would not have time to harden off before cold weather.

Order spring flowering bulbs now. Choose bulbs with different flowering times to extend the season. Plan displays of bulbs in masses of one type or color.

Seed or renovate your lawn from mid-August to mid-September. Till area to be seeded to a depth of 6-8". Apply organic matter and work in fertilizer. Seed area and keep moist.

Continue deadheading flowers. This will allow the plant to use energy reserves for a final flower display. Remove dead, dying leaves to reduce possible disease problems.

White powdery mildew may start appearing on plants like phlox, monarda, zinnias. Chemical controls not necessary.

Watch for white grub damage. Grubs feed on turf roots and patches of browned grass can be pulled up like a rug. Egg laying by grubs in July tends to occur on irrigated lawns especially during dry spells. Treat with Merit or Grubex.

Edible

Sow seed for beets, Chinese cabbage, cucumbers, kohlrabi, peas and collards for late crops by August 15.

Sow seed for late crop of mustard greens, Swiss chard and spinach.

Control cucumber beetles on cucumbers, squashes, melons and gourds. The striped beetle is 1/5 inch long with wings striped yellow and black and the spotted beetle has 12 black dots on it's wings. They spread a bacterial wilt. Spray or dust weekly with Rotenone or Sevin. Apply late in the day when bees are less active. Can also cover with Reemay cloth until flowering occurs. Remove infected plants immediately.

Plant a "green manure" cover crop of oats, rye or ryegrass in empty garden areas. It can be spaded under next spring.