August & September Gardening Tips
(Updated: Aug. 12, 2025, 3:21 a.m.)
Written by Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, Annette Thompson
This is a great time to obtain and send a soil sample to start getting ready for next spring’s planting and fertilizing. Material for soil samples, with instructions, can be obtained from county extension offices.
Early fall is a great time to plant for spring, as well as for cool season vegetables.
August
This is a great time to obtain and send a soil sample to start getting ready for next spring’s planting and fertilizing. Material for soil samples, with instructions, can be obtained from county extension offices.
Begin now planning and planting cool season vegetables.
]August is a good time to evaluate the garden and make plans for next year. What plants did well? What needs dividing? What plants would you like to incorporate? What insects or pests were a problem?
As blooms fade on summer perennials, gardeners must decided to deadhead or not to deadhead….Deadheading is removing spent flowers from a plant to make it tidier, promote continued bloom production, or prevent fruit and seed production. Choosing not to deadhead is an option if gardeners want to save the seeds that will be produced for the birds to benefit from in winter. Here is a link to an article from Penn State Extension on deadheading.
Summer flowering bulbs can be divided, replanted, and/or shared as their leaves begin to turn brown and die. If the bulbs don’t need dividing, wait to trim back the foliage to about 2-3 inches until it begins to yellow.
Begin clearing out any annuals that have finished blooming.
Continue to water plants as needed, avoiding overhead watering to prevent disease. Water from the plant base or use soaker hoses -- a good way to water since soaker hoses don’t wet the foliage or disturb the soil structure. Watering is best done early in the day.September
Early fall is a great time to plant for spring, as well as for cool season vegetables.
Check garden centers for spring flowering bulbs that can be started now. When choosing bulbs, bigger is better. Also make sure the bulbs are firm.
If your garden needs a little color, do some fall planting of mums, asters, pansies and other fall bloomers. The NC State Plant Toolbox site, is an excellent resource to help find plants that fit individual gardening needs.
Fertilize and lime lawns as indicated on soil sample results.
Be on the lookout for insects and diseases as they can proliferate in the fall. Use pesticides sparingly and always follow label instructions—“the label is the law” for safe pesticide use.
Prepare houseplants that have summered outside for re-entry – be especially vigilant for insects and treat accordingly before bringing unwanted guests into the house.
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