Tuberous begonias are often unsatisfactory in the Middle West because they stop flowering too soon. In an effort to provide a cool, shady place, many gardeners plant them where light intensity is too low in the morning or evening.
Since they are sensitive to day length, they cease blooming as days grow shorter about mid-August. Lighting the bed with a 60-watt electric bulb suspended 48 inches high will keep plants flowering longer. Turn the lights on about 5:30 P.M. standard time; by September 1st, turn them on at 4:30. Turn lights off at 9:00 P.M., or leave on all night if more convenient. This will keep plants flowering beyond September 1, the time they normally stop blooming. One light covers an area 4 x 4 feet.
Under Midwest conditions, double tuberous begonias tend to produce more single (female) flowers than doubles. By removing single blooms as soon as they open, production of doubles can be increased.
Start New Lawns
The best time for seeding new lawns in the Middle West, according to latest scientific experiments, is August 15. Permanent grasses germinate best when nights are cool and days warm – nights begin to cool off about this time.
Constant watering is necessary to keep seed moist every minute until seedlings produce a root long enough to reach soil moisture. Midwest weather in mid-August is not dependable, so keep sprinklers set to cover entire area.
Final Crabgrass Control
Crabgrass control applied now will clean up this pest for the year. Since seed does not germinate from now on, no more plants will appear except in unusually warm wet years.
These chemicals are safe to use just ahead of seeding. Residual controls like PMAS and 2,4-D may interfere with seed germination if used just ahead of seeding.
The most important application of plant food of the year goes on evergreens now. Also, trees and shrubs will benefit from mid-August feeding. Contrary to usual opinions, feeding now does not stimulate late growth. Nitrogen is absorbed and stored for use in making next spring’s growth.
Pansy-Planting Time
This is pansy seeding time, about the second week in August towards the northern limits of the Midwest, and nearer September 1 near the Ohio River. The idea is to bring the plant just up to flowering stage without actually blooming. They winter better in this stage than if in bloom when they freeze for the winter. Seed germinates best when nights are cool, hut days are above 809. English daisies (Dellis perennis) should be seeded at the same time.
Statice, celosia and bell of Ireland can he dried now for winter bouquets. Cut in the afternoon and suspend upside down in a dark, dry airy room. If exposed to light, colors will fade. Don’t put more than four stems in a single bunch.
Summer Watering
August droughts are hard on plants. Azaleas, hollies, rhododendrons and evergreens are most seriously hurt. Water deeply and mulch. Spraying the foliage as well as soaking the soil is good practice.
If hardy chrysanthemums get hard and woody, they don’t bloom well. Keep watering liberally and give a light feeding in mid-August to keep stems soft.
Autumn crocus and colchicums should appear on seed store counters this month. Plant as soon as available. There’s still chance to plant Oriental poppies, iris and Madonna lilies. Plant crown imperial (Fritilluria imperiaiis) immediately upon receipt.
Now is the time to disbud dahlias for large exhibition blooms if you plan to show them this fall.
This is the best time of the year to kill out poison ivy. Plants killed now don’t have time to regenerate from the roots. Even if roots are not completely killed, winter should finish the job. A brush killer containing 2,4-D is best control for this pest.
Transplant Evergreens
Transplant evergreens as soon as this year’s growth has hardened. This can be told by the fact that the light green new growth darkens and loses its limp, soft look. If moving your own, be sure to water heavily before digging – it’s just as important as watering after trans. planting.
Transplant rooted runners of strawberry plants now. These will produce a crop of fruit next summer.
by R Carleton – 64788
