Well, it’s been a hot July. August looks a little warm for the first 5 days or so, but the forecast beyond looks to be seasonal. So compared to July, it’s going to be very nice. My current long range shows highs in the 90’s after the first week of the month.
Fall will be here before you know it. Start planning for your fall planting and maybe even get a jump on that fall planting now. The temperatures are going to start trending down as the month goes on. Mornings will be cooler and the cool mornings are a great time for gardening. Remember that fall is the best time for planting trees and shrubs. Especially trees.
The ground is a bit hard after the summer but if you start a hole and soak it, and then dig a little more and soak it, pretty soon the hole you need for the tree or shrub is done and it is a fairly painless way to dig a hole. It’s worth the effort to get things planted in the fall. Note the diagram describing the advantages of fall planting.
After the heat of July, did you decide a spot where it would have been nice to have a shade tree? We have an excellent selection of trees and shrubs for fall planting.
Watering and Mulching
Continue to water established plants deeply for the balance of the summer and into fall. Deep soaking gives you the healthiest plants that can go through the summer and you will use less water.
A drip that runs for longer time but fewer times a week will use less water and give you healthier trees and shrubs. Established plants can frequently get through with a once a week watering when the temperatures are getting into the 90’s. More often when we have a heat spike. This is with a combination of a good layer of mulch. Check the mulch you added at the beginning of the summer, and if it is getting thin, add more to keep the moisture you are applying, in the ground. You want to have about 3 inches of mulch. This stops water from evaporating from the ground and it stays there for your plants to use. Deep soaking and mulching is the best practice for healthy plants and less water use.
Late Summer & Fall Planting
We have a very large selection of trees and shrubs for fall planting in stock as always. If you want to get a jump start and plant now, just be sure to keep the plant moist for the rest of the summer and into the fall. Water it once a day after you plant for the first week and then every three days for the balance of the season and it will do well. If we have heat spikes, you will need to adjust as needed. Be sure to use mulch so the roots stay cool and the water stays in the ground for your plant.
Fall Fertilizing
Fall fertilizing is coming up soon. This should be done in September. The weather will be cooler and the days shorter so even when we get some warm days the heat does not last as long. September is the time for fall fertilizing. Trees and shrubs will benefit from a balanced fertilizer. Citrus should be fertilized with a citrus fertilizer.
When fertilizing, water the plant the day before very well. Then fertilize the following day and water in well. Never fertilize a dry plant. It will burn it and can possibly kill it. Be ready. September will be here before you know it and the fall fertilizing is important to have healthy vigorous plants to head into the winter.
Grass Seed
Grass seed for lawns or pasture or overseeding should be done in September or October. Get it planted while it is still warm but not baking hot. The seed will germinate quickly and it will need to be kept moist while it gets established. Don’t wait too late in the season or it won’t get well enough established before the winter and may have a tough time getting through the winter. I’m ordering new stock of grass seed which should be in next week, so we will have a good supply for all planting needs.
Bare Root Fruit Trees
I have my confirmation and will start getting our bare root price list for January 2024 together. I should have the list ready by the end of the month, As soon as it is ready, I will send out an email and those who are interested can request one.
Used Pots
We are happy to take back used pots. We can re-use them for lots of the planting we do here.
August Specials
ONE GALLON PERENNIALS – $6.95 LARGE SLECTION TO CHOOSE FROM
Remainig 5 GALLON FRUIT TREES – $25.00 each Gala Apple, Fuji Apple, Granny Smith Apple, Red Delicious Apple
Does not include citrus trees.
Multi trunk Crape Myrtle, $19.50 each
Sale prices good while supplies last
July has been warmer than usual for here. August looks like maybe it is going to be more seasonal without the extreme temperatures. Oak trees on my property are starting to drop acorns. Hopefully an early cool fall is on the way.
Olive celebrates one year anniversary in her job as nursery greeter this month.
She came to us from Homeward Bound Golden Retriever rescue on August 26th 2023. She was very thin and very skittish when we first got her, having been picked up as a stray in Bakersfield from where she found her way to the rescue and then to us.
She has made great progress in the last year.
She’s been through obedience training (twice) and is much better behaved, although she still has her moments. She is now about two years old, and very much still a puppy.
She’s very sweet and enjoys meeting customers. Still a little shy at times but the nicest girl in the world. Say hello when you are in.
Open 9-5 Monday through Saturday, 10-4 Sunday.
530-743-4856
We hope to see you soon.
Jeff
