One of the best and worst parts of living on the prairies is our ever-changing weather. It is wonderful but challenging, interesting and frustrating, but it is what we live with. It is somewhat like our gardens — ever evolving and changing to continue to share the challenges of keeping it both beautiful and fruitful.
In August, there are still many tasks to be done. Even though many parts of Saskatchewan have been filled with many rainy days, it is still possible to get into the garden and get some timely work done. In August, many of the summer days continue but as the garden ripens, nature reminds us that fall is near.
Many gardeners consider August a jewel. We can finally put down some of our tools to enjoy the warm sunshine during the daylight hours. The manic days of summer have passed and our chores involve that endless tie up of floppy flower and tomato spikes; harvesting what is ripe and removing the odd tenacious weed. Deadheading perennials and annuals that have finished blooming is a good chore and produce more blooms to enjoy.
Replanting lettuce and spinach that has gone to seed and removing worn-out annuals and vegetables is a great August chore. Pruning back annual herbs will ensure that the bounty continues. My basil crop has been rejuvenated once again and will sure to continue to grace our table for the next couple of months.
If you are looking for a bit more physical work, dividing perennials that have finished blooming is another timely chore. How do you know if your perennials need dividing you may ask? Certain signs like the centre of the plant looking a bit dead; loss of flowering profusion; or just finding the border being a little bit crowded are signs to share the wealth with your gardening friends.
If you are a gardener who likes to collect seed, August is the time to get going. First it is necessary to correctly identify the plant and ensure you understand its lifecycle. Remember heirloom plants are the best choice for collecting seed. Learn how the seed will ripen and how the seed is dispersed to allow you to collect the seed at the right time and the best level of maturity.
When it is time to collect the seed, gather them when they are ripe but before they are shed by the parent plant. Remove capsules, heads or pods as they begin to dry and separate the seed later as they are more completely dry. If you are collecting seed from a plant that tends to disperse its seed with vigour, simply tying a paper bag over the seed head will ensure you are able to collect the seed. After collecting the seed, dry them is a warm, dry location for another week or two. Prior to storage, it will be necessary to separate the seeds from other plant parts. Store the seeds in airtight containers in a cool, frost-free location.
Last but not least, plan for planting spring flowering bulbs in September. Nothing says spring like scilla, muscari, and tulips poking through the late spring snow. Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
— Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or check out our website at www.saskhort.com.
