August is a crucial month for gardeners as it marks the transition from summer to fall. With the right tips and techniques, you can ensure that your garden thrives during this time of year. From nurturing your plants to preparing for the upcoming season, there is plenty to do in the garden in August.
TIP #1 – Watering
One of the key tips for gardening this August is to stay on top of watering. As temperatures rise, plants can become easily dehydrated. Be sure to water your plants deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells. It’s also important to water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
TIP #2 – Deadheading
Another essential task for August gardening is deadheading and pruning. By removing spent blooms and trimming back overgrown branches, you encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance in your garden. This also allows more sunlight and air circulation, which helps prevent disease.
TIP #3 – Fall Planting
Additionally, August is an ideal time to start planning for fall planting. Take inventory of your current plants and consider what additions or replacements you might want for the upcoming season. Research which flowers, vegetables, or herbs thrive in your region during autumn and make a plan accordingly.
TIP #4 – Ponding
Take a moment to keep an eye on your fish! August is a critical period when these adorable aquatic creatures may develop ulcers. To ensure their well-being, it’s essential to administer necessary medications and maintain clean water and filters. By taking these proactive measures, you can help promote the overall health and happiness of your cherished fishy friends.
TIP #5 – Lawn Care
Lastly, don’t forget about lawn care! August is a great time to address any bare patches or weed issues in your lawn. Consider reseeding or overseeing areas that need attention and apply weed control products as necessary.
By following these tips for gardening this August, you’ll ensure that your garden remains vibrant and healthy throughout the changing seasons. Embrace this transitional period as an opportunity to prepare your outdoor space for a stunning display of colors and growth in the months ahead! For more, check out this week’s episode of Get Up and Grow with our President Gord Nickel, below!
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Oh, how exciting! The world of tulips just keeps getting more captivating and enchanting. With new cultivars entering the scene, it’s like a burst of creativity in the garden! From vibrant hues that will make your heart skip a beat to unique petal patterns that will leave you in awe, these new tulips are truly something special. They’re breathing new life into this timeless flower and capturing the imaginations of gardeners everywhere. So why not add a fresh twist to your garden with these dazzling tulip varieties? Get ready to be amazed by their beauty and let your garden blossom with renewed interest!
Pacific Pearl Tulip! Standing at a moderate height with sturdy stems, it’s an absolute showstopper in any sunny border. With its deep red color and frilly edge, this gorgeous flower is a true masterpiece. Imagine the breathtaking combinations you can create by mixing it with other unfringed tulips! The Pacific Pearl Tulip looks fantastic in cut-flower arrangements, adding elegance and sophistication to any floral display.
Fringed Tulips
Uniquely shaped blooms with serrated edges
Great for containers, mass landscaping, and cut flowers
Prepare to be amazed by the stunning beauty of this Darwin Hybrid tulip! With its delicate lavender petals and a touch of pale edging, it brings an unrivaled level of elegance and charm to any garden or indoor arrangement. But that’s not all – this fabulous flower is also reliably perennial, which means you can enjoy its breathtaking blooms year after year.
Behold the magnificent Crown of Dynasty tulip, the absolute ruler of springtime blossoms! With its enchanting blend of vibrant pink tones from the Dynasty tulip and its own distinctive quilled petals, this majestic flower is simply captivating. As this beauty matures, its colors become even more vibrant and rich, adding a burst of life to any space. They make the perfect cut flowers that last beautifully in vases. It’s like having a little piece of paradise right in your home or office!
Coronette Tulips (Crown)
Great for containers, mass landscaping, and cut flowers
Get ready to add a touch of luxury to your garden with Red Foxtrot, Double Early Tulips! What sets them apart is not just their stunning appearance but also their sturdy stems. Reaching a height of 30 cm, they proudly stand tall and showcase their beauty for all to admire. With their natural resilience, they thrive in various conditions and can withstand different climates. So whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, you can enjoy the luxurious touch of these flowers without breaking a sweat.
Silver Parrot Tulips are majestic flowers that boast large, ruffled, and fringed dark pink petals which gradually fade to a soft white near the center. One of the most exciting features of Parrot Tulips is their late blooming nature. While other tulip varieties may have already faded away, these beauties will still be in full bloom, adding a splash of color and joy to your garden when you need it the most. Whether you want to create a captivating container display, beautify your landscape with a mass planting, or bring the beauty indoors with cut flowers, these tulips have got you covered!
Parrot Tulips
Unique variegated foliage
Great for containers, mass landscaping, and cut flowers
Late blooming tulips
6 bulbs per pack
Colour
White w/ Pink
Bulb Size
12cm (5″)
Bloom Height
40cm (16″)
Sun Requirements
Full to Part Sun
Zone
4
Fragrant
No
Deer Resistant
No
Plant
Sept – Dec
Bloom
Late April – May
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Are you looking to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your garden? Look no further than ornamental alliums. These stunning flowering plants are the perfect addition to any garden, with their unique spherical blooms and vibrant colors. In this week’s blog, we will explore the world of ornamental alliums and discover how you can grow these magnificent bulbs in your own backyard! Here’s how…
About Alliums
Allium flowers have a unique growth pattern, with the blooms appearing on stalks that are typically leafless. These flowers are grouped together in a pom-pom arrangement at the top of the stem. Their appearance has been likened to a frozen firework mid-explosion, creating a visually striking and dynamic display.
Relatives to Onions
Alliums are part of the Alliaceae family, which includes around 600-925 species of perennial bulbous plants. While not all of them are cultivated for consumption, many species are primarily grown for their stunning flower heads.
Alliums are Versatile
Alliums are incredibly attractive when planted in borders, beds, and pots. However, their true beauty shines when they are planted in clusters or groups. They are perfect for creating stunning cut flower arrangements and can even be used in dried flower displays. It’s no surprise that we have a deep affection for them!
Pollinator friendly & Pest Resistant
Gardeners often opt for planting alliums in their gardens because they are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. It is worth noting that these plants are typically avoided by deer and rabbits, which may be attributed to the strong fragrance produced when the stems are broken.
Great as Dried Flowers
Allium flower heads are a great option for dried flower arrangements. Unlike some other flowers, they do not produce multiple blooms, so you can leave the flower head on the plant until it naturally dries before cutting it for use in arrangements. This makes them a convenient choice for those looking to add some long-lasting beauty to their floral displays.
Allium Symbolism
The allium flower is associated with the meaning of unity in the language of flowers. As a result, it is commonly exchanged between married couples and long-term friends as a symbol of their strong bond.
Popular Varieties of Allium
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, growing allium bulbs is a rewarding and relatively easy task. With a wide variety of allium species to choose from, including Allium giganteum, Allium schubertii, and Allium caeruleum, there is sure to be a variety that suits your taste and preferences.
1.) Purple Sensation – If you’re new to growing alliums, a great option to start with is the widely loved and early-blooming variety called Allium aflatunense ‘Purple Sensation’. The raspberry-purple flowers have flower heads that are about 3 to 4 inches in diameter. They are supported by slender stems that measure 24 to 30 inches in length. A great choice for cut flower gardens!
2.) Allium Globemaster – The large-headed alliums, such as ‘Gladiator’, ‘His Excellency’, and ‘Globemaster’, are impressive flowers that can reach sizes as large as bowling balls, with diameters ranging from 5 to 10 inches. They are supported by sturdy stems that can grow up to 3 to 4 feet tall!
3.) Allium White Giant – There are two alliums with striking white flowers that are worth mentioning. The elegant ‘Mount Everest’ features beautifully pure white flowers measuring 5 inches in diameter and grows on tall stems. Despite its misleading name, the Allium nigrum (black onion) is highly recommended for creating all-white gardens. The flower heads of this plant have a unique vase-like shape rather than being perfectly round.
How to Grow Allium
In order for alliums to thrive and bloom in the spring, they require a period of cold weather to establish their roots. Therefore, when you start experiencing the first signs of coolness in the air during fall, it is the ideal time to begin planting them. To grow Allium of your own, try following the steps outlined below for both in-ground and in-container planting!
To ensure optimal growth, it is recommended to wait until the outside temperature drops below 15C and the soil has cooled off. In the Northern regions, this typically occurs in September or October, while in the Southern regions, it usually happens in October or November.
Choose a location in your garden with soil that drains well and receives full sun exposure.
To plant allium bulbs, dig a hole about 4-8 inches deep and space them approximately 6-8 inches apart. Make sure to place the bulbs in the ground with their pointy ends facing upwards. This will ensure proper growth and development.
It is recommended to water your plants thoroughly and then wait until spring for further watering. This approach helps promote healthy root development and conserves water by preventing excessive moisture.
It is important to leave the foliage of alliums intact after they have bloomed. It should be allowed to wither and turn yellow before removing it completely.
Planting Allium in Containers
With the exception of a few steps, planting Alliums in a container can be just as easy as planting them in the ground. The only difference being…
For effective drainage, it is important to choose a container that allows excess water to flow out easily. When filling the container, use loose soil and make sure there is no water pooling at the bottom. This will help maintain proper moisture levels for your plants.
To safeguard your plants during the colder months, it is advisable to bring your containers inside and store them in a cool location like an unheated garage or basement. This will provide them with the necessary protection.
Tips for Growing Alliums
Allium bulbs are resilient plants that are straightforward to cultivate. However, they do not tolerate excessive moisture well. If a bulb is submerged in water, it will quickly deteriorate. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. Avoid areas where puddles remain visible for 5-6 hours after a rainstorm to ensure the optimal growth of your flower bulbs.
To improve waterlogged soil, you can incorporate organic material like peat, bark, or manure. The same principle applies when planting bulbs in containers – proper drainage is key. Make sure to choose a pot or box with sufficient drainage holes at the bottom.
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As the summer heat reaches its peak, July presents an exciting opportunity for garden enthusiasts to immerse themselves in all of their favourite gardening tasks. From tending to vibrant blooms to nurturing luscious vegetables, this month is filled with endless possibilities to keep you busy in your garden. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, we’re here to provide valuable insights and tips for your best July garden yet! So grab your tools, put on your gardening gloves, and let’s dive into the world of lush greenery and blooming beauty! In this weeks blog, 2023 July Gardening Tips!
July Plant Care Tasks
1.) Boost the growth of your long-blooming perennials by applying a high-quality all-purpose fertilizer. This essential step will ensure that your plants receive the necessary nutrients they need to thrive and produce stunning blooms for an extended period of time.
2.) When summer-bearing raspberries have completed their fruiting cycle, trim down the canes that produced the berries.
3.) Harvest your garlic and shallots promptly once the majority of the tops have withered away. This ensures that you get the best flavor and freshness from your crops.
4.) Maximize your vegetable yield by planting second and third crops after harvesting. Opt for late varieties of leafy greens, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli to ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season!
5.) Protect your larger growing perennials from rain and wind damage by staking them securely. This simple yet effective technique ensures that your plants are well-supported and can continue to thrive even in adverse weather conditions.
6.) Don’t miss out on the opportunity to fill your garden with vibrant colors! It’s not too late to plant annuals and enjoy a stunning display of blooms.
7.) Don’t forget to remove any dead or diseased foliage, as this will further contribute to the overall well-being of your garden.
8.) Trimming your annual herbs is a smart choice if you want to enjoy a second harvest. By pruning them properly, you encourage new growth and ensure a bountiful yield for your culinary endeavors.
9.) Enhance your cooking skills by utilizing garlic scapes! Not only will this culinary technique add a new layer of flavor to your dishes, but it will also promote the growth of delicious bulbs.
10.) Secure your berry harvest by picking them before the local wildlife discovers a tasty treat. Enjoy the fruits of your labor without having to share with our feathery and furry friends!
Seeds To Sow In July
July is a great time to start planting several types of seeds, especially in areas with mild winters. These varieties not only offer the opportunity for a bountiful harvest in the fall and winter but also provide the option to enjoy them as delicious and tender baby vegetables and more, sooner. To keep your garden growing with a constant supply, try check out our list of great seeds to sow now, below.
1.) Ensuring the well-being of your fish is crucial, especially during hot weather. By regularly cleaning the filters in your pond features and adding aeration, you can maintain optimal conditions for their survival. Trust me, taking these simple steps will help keep your fish alive and thriving!
2.) Be vigilant when it comes to pests that can infest your water plants, such as water lily aphids, beetles, and snails. These critters can cause significant damage if not detected and controlled promptly. Stay on top of their presence to ensure the health and beauty of your water plants.
3.) Boost the growth of your waterlilies by providing them with essential fertilizers. By nourishing these beautiful aquatic plants, you can ensure their health and vibrant blooms throughout the season. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance the beauty of your garden or pond with thriving waterlilies.
4.) Trimming back overgrown plants is essential to promote their health and vitality. By pruning, you can encourage new growth, prevent disease, and improve the overall appearance of your plants.
Lawn Care for July
1.) In order to maintain a healthy and vibrant lawn during hot weather, it is crucial to properly water it and make adjustments to your lawn mower. Be sure to water your lawn thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate deep into the soil. Additionally, consider raising the blade on your lawn mower for a higher cut, as this can help protect your grass from heat stress and promote stronger growth.
2.) Transform your lawn care routine by saving grass clippings for mulch. This simple step not only helps to keep your lawn cool but also provides essential nutrients, ensuring a healthy and vibrant yard. Plus, it’s a sustainable way to reduce waste and nourish your lawn naturally.
3.) Avoid fertilizing during the peak of summer to yield better results for your lawn or garden. By withholding fertilizer during this time, you can promote healthier growth and prevent stress on your plants. This practice will ensure that nutrients are used efficiently and effectively, resulting in a lusher and more vibrant landscape.
More to Do This July In The Garden
Looking to do more in your garden this July? Look no further than ‘Accent Trees and Shrubs’ presented by our very own President, Gord Nickel, on Chek News’ Get Up and Grow, below!
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Are you looking for a way to ensure that you have an abundant harvest year after year? With proper storage, your seeds will remain viable for many years and you will be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. In this article, we will discuss some of the best practices for storing your seeds so that they remain viable and can be used in future harvests. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your seeds and maximizing their potential. Start storing your seeds the right way today and enjoy years of abundant harvests!
Why Store Seeds?
Seed storage is a critical component of successful crop production. To ensure consistent yields, it’s essential to keep seeds in the most optimal conditions. Proper seed storage can greatly improve seed longevity, germination rate, and even quality. By understanding the ins and outs of storing and preserving seeds, gardeners can maximize their return on investment while ensuring their crops thrive. Plus, it’s a great way to save money on seeds when they go on sale even when you might have to hold on to them for a year! Or, even when you have more seeds than you need to plant this season.
Seeds With Great Lifespan
When stored the right way, some seeds can remain viable for more than 5 years – including Brassicas (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, collards and kohlrabi), chicories (endive, escarole, radicchio) and many other vegetables like cucumbers, kale, lettuce, melons, mustards, peppers, radishs rutabagas sunflowers tomatoes and turnips.
How to Store Your Seeds
1.) Immediately – To ensure that your seeds remain fresh and in good condition, store them right when you get them.
2.) Container – Dry seed storage is an important part of successful gardening and farming. Airtight containers are the best way to store dry seeds for long-term use. These containers protect the seeds from moisture, pests, and oxygen, thus preserving their viability and ensuring a successful harvest.
3.) Label – Proper labelling and categorization of stored seeds is a must! You should keep the seed packet at hand for easy reference in the future. This way you’ll know exactly what type of seeds are in your container and when to plant them during the optimal time.
4.) Location – To ensure successful germination, it is vital to store seeds in a place with low temperatures and away from direct sunlight. Additionally, strong odors should be avoided as they can compromise the efficacy of the seeds.
5.) Store – Seeds should be stored between 4°C & 10°C (40 – 50°F). Avoid putting them in the refrigerator as its humidity levels fluctuate. Remember, freezing can destroy certain seed varieties.
Tips For Planting Stored Seeds
1.) When planting seeds, it’s important to keep them moist so they don’t dry out. Oxygen is essential for proper germination, so flooding the soil can lead to a decrease in oxygen & stunt the growth of your seeds.
2.) On a sunny day, leaving the plastic dome on the seedling trays is not a good idea. If you see a lot of condensation, take it off or prop it open for ventilation. If it’s left on, your seedlings may get steamed by the trapped heat and moisture inside the dome.
3.) When transplanting seedlings outdoors, it’s important to harden them off gradually. A cold frame or cloche is useful for providing gradual exposure to colder temperatures. Otherwise, your plants may be too shocked by the conditions and either be stunted or die from the stress.
With these simple steps, you can easily store your seeds and save money. Not only that, but it also helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability. So why not give it a try?
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