August in the garden by AgriLife’s Mario Villarino

When selecting tomato plants for fall harvests, it is best to choose smaller-fruited varieties which take less time and energy for the plants to produce. Caladiums require plenty of water at this time of year if they are to remain lush and active until fall. Fertilize with 21-0-0 at the rate of one-third to one-half pound per 100 square feet of bed area, and water thoroughly.

Prune out dead or diseased wood from trees and shrubs. Hold off on major pruning from now until midwinter. Severe pruning at this time will only stimulate tender new growth prior to frost. Sow seeds of snapdragons, dianthus, pansies, calendulas, and other cool-season flowers in flats, or in well-prepared areas of the garden, for planting outside during mid-to-late fall. Plant bluebonnet and other spring wildflowers.

They must germinate in late summer or early fall, develop good root systems, and be ready to grow in spring when the weather warms. Plant seed in well-prepared soil, one-half inch deep, and water thoroughly. + Picking flowers frequently encourages most annuals and perennials to flower even more abundantly. It is time to divide spring-flowering perennials, such as iris, Shasta daisy, oxeye, gaillardia, cannas, day lilies, violets, liriope, and ajuga.

Make your selections and place orders for spring-flowering bulbs now so that they will arrive in time for planting in October and November. Don’t allow plants with green fruit or berries to suffer from lack of moisture. A late-summer pruning of rosebushes can be beneficial. Prune out dead canes and any weak, brushy growth. Cut back tall, vigorous bushes to about 30 inches. After pruning, apply fertilizer, and water thoroughly.

If a preventive disease-control program has been maintained, your rose bushes should be ready to provide an excellent crop of flowers this fall. It is not too late to set out another planting of many warm-season annuals, such as marigolds, zinnias, and periwinkles. They will require extra attention for the first few weeks, but should provide you with color during late September, October, and November. Establish a new compost pile to accommodate the fall leaf accumulation.

For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or emall me at m-villarino@tamu.edu.

Contributed by Mario Villarino