August in Fayetteville brings blistering heat, high humidity, sandy-clay soils, and shifting rainfall patterns—making it a pivotal month for maintaining garden health and planning for fall yields.
1. Water Wisely: Know When Enough Is Enough
August often brings sudden evening rain showers. Keep a rain gauge handy to avoid overwatering. Aim for about 1–2 inches of deep water per week, applied early in the morning (6 a.m.–10 a.m.) to minimize evaporation and reduce disease risk.
2. Fertilize and Deadhead for Sustained Growth
Feed established annuals and vegetables with a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer to help them thrive under heat stress.
Deadhead spent blooms—especially on marigolds, zinnias, petunias, and dahlias—to promote continuous flowering in August and into fall.
3. Pest Scouting and Fire Ant Control
Inspect garden beds weekly for common summer pests like aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, and borers—especially on squash, cabbage, and roses.
August is also the prime time to lay fire ant bait in the landscape to minimize future mound activity.
4. Plant for Fall: Vegetables & Perennials
August is ideal for sowing a fall garden in Fayetteville. You can plant:
- Cool-season veggies: lettuce, spinach, arugula, Chinese cabbage, kale, radish, kohlrabi, mustard, turnip, carrots, beets, and rutabaga. You can even try a second crop of squash or cucumbers for a late harvest.
- Perennials for fall blooms: Try New England asters, hardy chrysanthemums, coreopsis, Russian sage, and black-eyed Susan. These thrive when planted in late summer.
5. Prep Beds & Propagate Now
- Refresh mulch layers to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Divide overcrowded perennials like daylilies and irises.
- Take semi-ripe cuttings of shrubs like hydrangea and roses for propagation.
6. Shade & Protect During Heat Waves
Extreme temperatures can stress shallow-rooted or young plants. Use shade cloth (30–50%) or temporary row covers to shield tender crops and container plants during peak midday sun.
7. Harvest & Store Correctly
Keep harvesting vegetables and herbs regularly—overripe produce attracts pests and reduces plant vigor.
Collect seeds from mature plants like sunflowers and poppies, and ensure they are fully dry before storing in a cool, dry spot.
8. Soil Health: Amend & Test
Fayetteville soils are often sandy or clay-heavy, which can lack organic matter. Add compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility. If you’re planning a fall garden, now’s a great time to get a soil test to guide any lime or fertilizer applications.
By combining smart watering habits, strategic planting, pest vigilance, and soil care, Fayetteville gardeners can keep their landscapes thriving in August and set the stage for a successful fall season. A little effort now goes a long way in the months ahead.