August Gardening Tips for Fayetteville, NC
August in Fayetteville is hot, humid, and full of opportunities to keep your landscape thriving through the final stretch of summer. With the right care, your garden will not only survive the heat—it will set the stage for a beautiful fall season. Here’s what to focus on this month:
1. Keep Watering—But Water Wisely
August heat can be relentless, and your plants will be feeling it. Water deeply, early in the morning, to let moisture soak into the root zone before the day’s heat kicks in. Avoid quick, shallow watering—plants need a good soak to build resilience.
Tip: If you notice water running off instead of soaking in, slow down your watering speed or water in cycles.
2. Watch for Heat Stress
Wilted leaves during the hottest part of the day can be normal, but if plants stay wilted into the evening, they may need more water or some shade. Container plants may need watering twice a day this month.
3. Deadhead and Prune for More Blooms
Give your annuals and perennials a quick tidy-up by removing spent blooms. This helps redirect the plant’s energy into producing new flowers instead of seeds. Light pruning of overgrown shrubs can also help maintain their shape and encourage fresh growth.
4. Mulch to Beat the Heat
A fresh layer of mulch helps keep soil temperatures cooler, retains moisture, and reduces weeds. August is a great time to check mulch depth—aim for about 2–3 inches around plants (but keep it away from stems and trunks).
5. Plan for Fall Planting
It may still feel like summer, but now is the time to plan your fall garden. Order seeds for cool-weather vegetables like collards, spinach, and broccoli, and get ready to plant them later this month or in early September. Fall-blooming flowers, such as mums and asters, can also be planted soon for a vibrant autumn display.
6. Inspect for Pests and Disease
Heat and humidity make August prime time for fungal issues like powdery mildew, as well as pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. Inspect your plants regularly, treat issues early, and keep foliage as dry as possible when watering.
7. Love Your Lawn
Raise your mower blade to leave grass a little taller during the hottest weeks—this helps shade the soil and protect roots. If you have warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia, keep them healthy now to prepare for overseeding or fertilizing in early fall.
Gardening in August is all about maintenance and preparation. With consistent care now, your yard will transition beautifully into the cooler months ahead. Need help with fall planting plans or refreshing your landscape?
Stop by Green Side Up for expert advice, fresh plants, and everything you need to keep your garden thriving.