KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – Late Season yard and garden tips

article-featured-080916

This summer has been relatively dry at least right around Chicago. Despite this the yard and garden are bursting forth. Of course this is from the necessary watering we are forced to do with the many extreme heat waves we’ve had. With frequent necessary watering comes diseases connected with wet. A good fungicide sprayed on leaves before it appears will usually prevent fungus and mildew. But really who remembers to do that? Our best bet is to take care of it as we see it. Thin out the plants to ensure better air circulation and to encourage drying out. Any affected areas should be pruned away and quickly and carefully disposed of. These spores will spread if placed in compost or even in a pile at the end of the garden. Improve drainage if you can and be judicious using mulch! Not advisable in very wet conditions. Keep up with your weeding. I know they are growing like crazy and frankly I get tired of it by now but you’ll thank me next year. Again, do NOT COMPOST WEEDS. All you are doing is perpetuating more weeds.

Have a look all around the perimeter of the house. Is there clutter against the house? A lumber pile too close to the house can harbor insects and mice. They love nothing more than a pile of toys or tools leaning against the house. Great stuff to burrow in. It can also deteriorate siding, cement and brick to the point of basement leaks. Remember around the house, air circulation and dry conditions are ideal. Make sure all drains are open. We are going to get some big storms eventually so our drains AND GUTTERS need to be clear and free flowing.

Now is the time many perennials, trees and shrubs are on sale at garden centers. Now is not the most optimum time to plant trees and shrubs, late fall is best for that. But might as well take your pick of the better choices early. Keep root balls well-watered and they can hang around for several weeks. As it is really early I would stick with perennials for now. Check out trees and shrubs later in the month. Planting new perennials this late in the year has its challenges. With all the heat, daily watering is a must for the first two weeks. After three weeks fertilize with half-strength solution. As we get to the end of the season we need to be careful with plants like shrubs and perennials. You don’t want plants that overwinter to get a lot of new growth late in the season. Growth needs to be hardy enough to get through the winter.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO