White County
 Gardening
Podcast
August 29, 2008
Summer Horticulture Hints (1:33 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Sherri Sanders
County Extension Agent - Agriculture
It's hot outside! When the mercury rises – you might be thinking there is not
much to do in the garden. Believe it or not there are some things to consider
during the dog days of summer. Hello this is Sherri Sanders, County extension
Agent – Agriculture in White county.
Remember to remove faded flowers from perennials after they finish blooming.
Deadheading redirects energy towards healthy roots. Maintain a 3 to 4 inch mulch
layer around trees and shrubs to protect them from mower and weed whacker
damage.
Check plants regularly for insect problems; hand pick or use suitable control
measures if found. Fertilize warm season grasses up until mid September then
cease.
Tend to butterfly nectar and larval food plants such as asclepias, buddleia,
and passionflower. Replace spent annuals with heat tolerant lantana, verbena,
pentas, and hibiscus.
If you are tired of dragging a hose all over the yard, consider drip
irrigation and/or soaker hoses as efficient watering alternatives for next year.
Prune water sprouts from ornamental and fruit trees. Water flowerbeds and
vegetable gardens deeply. Slow trickle or soaker type hoses conserve water and
help to encourage a deep root system.
For additional information on horticulture topics, contact the White county
Extension Service at 1-800-467-8166. This has been Sherri Sanders in Searcy.
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