August

• Continue planting evergreens now.

• Take cuttings of annuals now to provide vigorous plants for overwintering.

• Dig up herbs such as parsley, rosemary, chives and thyme and place in pots now for growing indoors this winter.

• Divide peonies now. Replant in a sunny site and avoid planting deeply.

• Fertilize cool-season lawns. Make up to three applications between now and December. Do not exceed rates recommended by fertilizer manufacturer.

• Sow seeds of radish, lettuce, spinach and other greens in a cold frame to prolong fall harvests.

• Begin fall seeding or sodding of cool season grasses. Seedbeds should be raked, dethatched, fertilized and seeded. Keep newly planted lawn areas moist, not wet.

• Pinch out the top of Brussels sprout plants to plump out the developing sprouts.

• Harvest herbs now to freeze or dry for winter use.

• Monitor plants for spider mite activity. Reduce their numbers by hosing off with a forceful spray of water.

• Begin readying houseplants for winter indoors. Prune, check for pests and treat if necessary. Bring plants indoors at least one month before heat is turned on.

• Lift gladiolus when leaves yellow. Cure in an airy place until dry before husking.

• Sow spinach now to overwinter under mulch for spring harvest.

• Pick pears before they are fully mature. Store in a cool, dark basement to ripen.

• Keep broccoli picked to encourage added production of side shoots.

• Tie leaves around cauliflower heads when they are about the size of a golf ball.

Adapted from the Missouri Botanical Garden calendar at www.mobot.org.