August 2016 - Gardening Tips & Tricks

• Water your garden beds slowly and deeply, once or twice a week depending on the weather. Most plants require about 1 to 1 ½ inches of water a week. Water your garden accordingly and be mindful of the weather.
• Regularly water tomato plants, which prefer an even supply of water. Allowing them to dry out too much will cause tomatoes to split.
• Harvest cucumbers, beans, peppers, tomatoes and zucchini to encourage plants to produce more fruit.
• Deadhead or cut back annuals to promote new growth.
• Early in the month, plant a second crop of beans. Do not allow the new plants to dry out, so water them regularly.
• Harvest fresh herbs during the morning hours before the days get too hot. Enjoy cooking with fresh herbs, or dry them for later use; you can even freeze them in small batches. 
• Avoid pruning trees and shrubs during hot summer days. 
• Harvest onions and garlic, then start the drying process.
• Do not be alarmed if you find caterpillars on fennel, dill, rue, or carrots. Swallow tail butterflies lay their eggs on these plants and their larvae feed on them.
• Avoid applying strong chemicals in your garden, especially during extremely hot days. Instead opt for eco-friendly solutions.