The end of summer is near, which is our signal for getting some jobs done in the garden. Today is going to be pretty much a list of jobs that need attention.
• Cut back chrysanthemums to about half their height. New branches will form that results in a bushier floral display this autumn. Stems that are not cut back will continue to elongate causing them to flop over with the weight of the autumn flowers.
• Spring blooming shrubs can be pruned but don’t wait much longer. Using the same rationale as cutting back the mums, a showier display will result next spring. The caveat to not wait too long is critical to observe as the flowering hormones that trigger the spring flora display are being made in the buds right now. Spring blooming shrubs that should be pruned back include Forsythia, Quince, Spirea, Viburnum.
• Spring planted vegetables like beets and carrots have sized up and should be harvested. In the space of their absence, there is still time to sow a new crop of summer squash and cucumbers.
• Cut back spent blooms of spring flowering bulbs like daffodil, day lily, iris.
• Inspect shrubs and trees for dead limbs and in some cases the entire shrub or tree. If by now there has not been any new growth on winter-damaged plants, it is time to say goodbye and start over.
• Wait until September to replant shrubs and trees that are destined for replacement. The high temperatures in July and August will abate in a few months and the new shrubs or trees will have a better chance of survival.
• Ever-present weeds need to be removed. Pick up any seed heads before a new generation of weed is dispersed.
• Deadhead perennials to encourage a fresh flush of flowers.
Last thing: stay hydrated when working in the garden. Plants need water, but so do people!
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
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