Dear Lodi Garden, We Will Get You Ready For Fall!
- Alyce Peterson
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
August is often the hottest month of the year in Lodi, but a little extra attention now will reward you with a healthier, more beautiful garden as cooler weather arrives.
Water wisely. Deep, infrequent watering encourages plants to develop stronger root systems that can better withstand our summer heat. Check containers daily, as they dry out much faster than plants growing in the ground.
Refresh your mulch. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch helps conserve moisture, keeps roots cooler, and reduces water loss during our hottest days. As an added bonus, mulch also helps suppress weeds.
Stay ahead of the weeds. Even in the heat, weeds continue to compete with your plants for precious water and nutrients. Removing them now prevents thousands of seeds from becoming next year's problem.
Summer pruning for fruit trees. August is an excellent time to lightly prune peach and plum trees. Removing overly vigorous upright shoots and selectively shortening branches can help encourage lower branching, making next season's fruit easier to reach while improving sunlight and air circulation throughout the tree. Avoid heavy pruning, which can stimulate excessive new growth before winter.
Start planning for fall color. Although it may not feel like it, cooler weather is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to plan your fall and winter garden. Consider adding colorful cool-season favorites such as pansies, violas, snapdragons, calendulas, stock, sweet alyssum, ornamental cabbage and kale, or flowering cyclamen for months of color. You can also begin preparing beds for California poppies, larkspur, sweet peas, and other annuals that perform beautifully when planted in late fall.
August reminds us that gardening is always about looking ahead. The care you give your garden today—watering, mulching, pruning, and planning—will set the stage for a vibrant autumn and a productive spring. Even during Lodi's hottest days, tomorrow's garden is already beginning to grow.
Download our August Garden Checklist for easy reference.
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