August gardening tips | Brevard County, Florida

As a reminder, Brevard County is still under a fertilizer ban (June 1 through September 30). Please avoid using fertilizers during this period to protect our local waterways and ecosystems.

Given that August and September are peak months for hurricanes, it’s crucial to spend some of this month preparing your yard to minimize damage.

pruning

Start by pruning dead or weak branches from trees and shrubs to prevent them from becoming projectiles in strong winds.

It’s also a good time to cut back overgrown perennials. During this time, your perennials may be overgrown and going to seed. Cut them back now so they will grow back fuller and bloom again.

Don’t forget to collect the seeds and use the cuttings for propagation!

Additionally, consider using some of this collected debris and grass clippings as natural mulch to protect your garden beds, conserve moisture, and improve soil health.

prepare your garden

It is almost time for fall vegetables and herbs!! As you prepare your garden for fall planting, clear out the weeds and grass and add plenty of organic matter such as cow manure, grass clippings, or compost to enrich the soil.

Proper soil preparation now will set the stage for a successful fall garden.

Sprinkling grass clippings around your plants is an excellent way to add nitrogen to the soil, benefiting various nitrogen-loving plants. Tomatoes, corn, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, and brassicas such as broccoli and cabbage particularly thrive with this added nutrient boost. This practice enhances soil fertility naturally, supporting healthier and more vigorous plant growth.

watch for insect damage

While you’re in the garden, keep an eye out for insect damage. Regularly inspecting your plants for pests is key to preventing infestations!

The best ways to prevent pest infestations is to pick pests off before they become a problem and plant flowers that encourage predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.

If infestations do become severe, consider using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil sprays as a last resort and only when necessary.

prevent mosquitoes

Help prevent mosquito breeding by monitoring any containers of standing water, where mosquitoes like to lay their eggs. When you see mosquito larvae, either dump them out into a dry area or sprinkle some mosquito bits in the water. Encouraging your neighbors to do the same can help collectively reduce mosquito populations naturally.

annuals + perennials to plant now

herbs + vegetables to plant now

September will be the month to plant veggies, so prepare your garden this month!