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For many gardeners the month of August begins the downhill slide into off season. Warm climate gardeners have a second chance, but some don't have a second wind after summer's heat. Your garden is hardier than you think and there are plenty of gardening tasks for August that will keep your flower and vegetable gardens going longer, as well as opportunities to get a head start on next year's garden plans.
 

Order spring bulbs for planting and forcing.

Check that your mulch hasn't decomposed and add more as needed.
 
Spread a mid-season layer of compost or manure.
 
Leave some annual seeds to self-sow.
 
Start saving seeds and taking cuttings.
 
Remove any diseased foliage now, so it doesn't get lost in the fall leaves.

Prune summer flowering shrubs as the flowers fade.

Trim and feed handing baskets to prolong their beauty.

Begin dividing perennials. Start with the bearded iris.

Pot up perennial divisions for spring plant swaps. Sink the pots into the ground this fall and they'll be one less chore in the spring.

Plant trees, shrubs and perennials now, so they can take root, and keep them well watered.

Get your fall-blooming crocus and colchicum planted so they'll bloom on time.

Start moving houseplants back indoors, so they get used to the limited sun exposure and humidity.

 
 
Autumn, especially in cool climate gardens is the season when color truly rules. When outside temperatures start to drop it is the time of years when the gardens come into their own making a strong visual impact. Choosing the right sized tree and knowling what color it could be can make a stunning statement to any garden.