August Pro-Tips

Pro-Tips of the Month: Essential August Gardening Tasks

August in the Maritime Northwest is a unique and bustling time for gardeners. As we navigate through the warm, dry days and cool nights, it's essential to balance the needs of our summer crops with the preparations for fall and winter harvests. Here are some crucial tasks to keep your garden thriving this month.

1. Add Compost Top Dressing for Heavy Feeders

Heavy feeders like squash and cucumbers require nutrient-rich soil to produce robust yields. Adding a layer of compost as a top dressing provides essential nutrients and improves soil structure without applying synthetic fertilizers. Apply a 1-2 inch layer of well-decomposed compost around the base of your plants, being careful not to cover the stems. This provides essential nutrients, helps retain moisture, and improves soil structure. Applications of fertilizers at this time of year do not get fully consumed by the plants and end up in our waterways. Compost tea is also an effective preventative measure.

2. Look for Powdery Mildew

August can bring powdery mildew which is a common fungal disease that thrives in warm, dry conditions, with our region's cooler nights and morning dew. Check your plants regularly, especially squash, cucumbers, and other susceptible species, for the telltale white, powdery spots on leaves. If you spot mildew, remove and dispose of the affected leaves. To control its spread, you can also use organic fungicides or homemade remedies, such as a mixture of 1 quart of water, 1 tsp baking soda, and four drops of insecticidal soap spray concentrate. Increase watering on affected plants and avoid overhead spray.

3. Remove Tomato Flowers That Have Not Set Fruit

In early August, it's wise to focus your tomato plants' energy on ripening existing fruit. Removing any flowers that have not set fruit helps the plant direct its resources to the development of mature tomatoes. Simply pinch off the flowers to encourage your plants to finish producing their current crop, resulting in a more fruitful harvest.

4. Sow Fall Vegetables in Early August

One of the joys of gardening in the Maritime Northwest is our "second spring." Planning for a fall harvest begins now. Sow seeds for fall vegetables such as kale, spinach, carrots, and beets in early August. These crops thrive in cooler temperatures and will be ready for harvest in the coming months. Ensure your soil is well-prepared and watered consistently to help the seeds germinate and establish strong root systems.

5. Sow Overwintering Crops in Late August

To enjoy a continuous supply of fresh produce into the winter months, sow overwintering crops in late August. Varieties such as garlic, onions, shallots, and winter lettuce can be planted now to establish themselves before the cold weather sets in. These crops will lie dormant during the winter and resume growth in early spring, providing you with an early start to your gardening season next year. Additionally, hardy greens like kale and Swiss chard can be sown to provide fresh produce throughout the winter months.

6. Water Consistently

Consistent watering is crucial during the hot August days to keep your plants healthy and productive. Aim for deep, infrequent, and very slow watering to encourage strong root growth and resilience to drought. It’s not uncommon for soaker hoses to be on for over an hour. Mulching around your plants can help retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. Always water in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation and make the most of your efforts as it allows the plants to absorb moisture before the heat of the day. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to minimize evaporation and ensure efficient water use.

7. Cure Garlic, Onions, and Shallots

If you harvested garlic, onions, and shallots earlier in the summer, now is the time to cure them for longer storage. Lay them out in a single layer in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Allow them to cure for two to three weeks until the outer skins are papery and the necks are fully dry. Properly cured, these alliums can be stored for several months.

8. Pre-Order Your Garlic

Many of you are probably harvesting the garlic you planted nearly a whole year ago! Well, it’s about time to start thinking about purchasing garlic to grow for next season!

This year, Botanical Interests is proud to have 9 USDA Organic garlic varieties that will be available for pre-order starting Friday, August 2nd. Last year they sold out in Less than 2 weeks! They lovingly hand-pack each bulb of garlic in a mesh bag and pack it in shredded paper cushioning to protect the garlic as it travels from us to the customer; this ensures it arrives dry, intact, and in good condition.

Nine varieties of garlic are available for preorder:
1. Chesnok Red (Hardneck Garlic)
2. Elephant (Hardneck Garlic)
3. German White Stiffneck (Hardneck Garlic)
4. Inchelium Red (Softneck Garlic) *Very popular
5. Montana Zemo (Hardneck Garlic)
6. Music (Hardneck Garlic) *Very popular
7. Romanian Red (Hardneck Garlic)
8. Sicilian Artichoke (Softneck Garlic)
9. Silver White (Softneck Garlic) *Very popular

These three varieties will be available later in limited quantities but are not available during pre-order:
1. Creole Red (Hardneck Garlic)
2. Georgian Fire (Hardneck Garlic)
3. Nootka Rose (Softneck Garlic)

By following these essential gardening tasks in August, you'll set the stage for a productive and thriving garden in the PNW. From nourishing your heavy feeders with compost to planning for fall and winter harvests, each step ensures your garden remains healthy and fruitful.

For more tips and personalized advice tailored to your garden, contact Eco-Restore. Our expert team is here to help you integrate permaculture principles and maximize your garden's productivity and resilience.

How Eco-Restore Can Help

At Eco-Restore, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with gardening in the Pacific Northwest. Our expertise in permaculture design can help you create a garden that is both productive and resilient, tailored to the specific conditions of our region.

Whether you need assistance with soil improvement, pest management, or planning for year-round harvests, Eco-Restore is here to guide you. Enjoy personalized attention and hands-on guidance with coaching sessions. Our experienced garden coaches will work alongside you, addressing specific concerns, providing expert insights, and ensuring your garden thrives in every season.

Seasonal Planting Guides: Our experts will help you plan and plant for both summer and fall, ensuring a continuous and bountiful harvest.

Watering Strategies: We offer advice on efficient watering systems that save water while keeping your garden lush and healthy.

Disease and Pest Management: With our integrated pest management strategies, we can help you tackle issues like powdery mildew while maintaining an eco-friendly approach.

Customized Soil Enhancement Plans: We provide tailored recommendations for composting and soil health to ensure your plants get their required nutrients.

Schedule a Free Discovery Call

Ready to take your garden to the next level? Schedule a discovery call with Eco-Restore today! During our call, we'll discuss your garden's specific needs and how we can help you achieve your gardening goals. Let us partner with you to create a thriving, sustainable garden that you can enjoy all year round.