In addition to the usual garden keeping chores… hoeing, watering, spraying and dusting”there are several transplanting jobs that can be done advantageously during August.

The lily is one perennial that can be transplanted now after its foliage has died. If you are planning to buy some lilies, get after your supplier right now so that you will have the bulbs in plenty of time for planting.

Madonna lilies should have ample time to make new roots and the, characteristic basal rosette of foliage before their growth is stopped by cold weather. Lilies prefer not to be disturbed, but if you have a clump which is so crowded that its size and blooming quality are on the downgrade, now is the time to amend matters. When digging lily bulbs, get as many roots as possible; separate the bulbs and plant them immediately, taking care to set them so that the tops of the bulbs are no more than 2 inches below the surface.

Transplanting the Oriental poppy, Virginia cowslip and iris When trans-planting Oriental poppies, dig down deeply (about 18 inches) to get as many of the roots as possible. Those left behind may start to grow and cause embarrassment.

The Virginia cowslip, which resents transplanting during the normal planting seasons, spring and fall, can be moved during August. Continue planting the bearded iris. If you can get bulbs of crown imperial (fritillaria) now, plant them immediately. They suffer when they are kept too long out of the ground.

Late-season chores in the eating garden Rooted strawberry runners that were started in pots should be planted as soon as they become available. They will bear next year.

Over most of our area it is not too late to produce a crop of snap beans before frost; choose a quick maturing variety. Devotees of “rabbit food” can sow seeds of lettuce and later can eat the seedlings that are thinned out. Lettuce will endure light frosts and, if sown in a coldframe, can be expected to continue to produce greens well into the month of November.

Moving evergreens Toward the end of the month foliage of evergreens will have hardened sufficiently to permit transplanting. The advantage of early planting is that root growth starts right away because the soil is warm; then the evergreen will be able to withstand the rigors of winter.

Taking cuttings of tender bedding plants and cleaning house plants Cuttings of tender bedding plants including blood-leaf (iresine) and alternanthera, and house plants such as pelargonium (house geranium) and patience plant or sultana (impatiens) can be inserted now in a mixture of equal parts by bulk of sand, peatmoss and garden soil. These will grow along and make better and clean house plants for storing indoors than the old plants which must be cut back and which then will take an unusually long time to recover.

Sowing pansies Pansies can be started now, and, if growing conditions are favorable and the plants can be transplanted to a coldframe before frost, you may have some flowers to grace the Thanksgiving table.

Two last-minute chores “Have you ordered your bulbs yet? If not, you had better get busy! Toward the end of the month, if the weather is suitable, prepare the ground for the starting of a new lawn.

The timing of these jobs is dependent largely on the weather, unless an ample supply of water is on tap to be applied where it will do the most good.

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Through Corinth, Mississippi, a few miles south of the Tennessee state line, is on the southern fringe of the region where peonies can be grown successfully, it was here that I saw one of the finest peony gardens I have seen anywhere. It belonged to Milton Rubel, who began growing and hybridizing peonies decades ago. Once he grew named varieties, but he discarded those and grew only his own crosses. When I was there in early May he had well over a thousand seedlings in bloom; some clumps were twenty years old, while others were young and blooming for the first time. It was an enchanting scene if ever I saw one.

As one travels south, the number of peony varieties that will thrive and bloom well becomes fewer and fewer. In Meridian, Mississippi, approximately one hundred and fifty miles from the Gulf, some gardens have a few clumps that bloom from year to year; however, most gardeners feel that peonies are not worthwhile. If you want to try peonies that far south, I suggest that you plant the single and Japanese types, which do better than the fully double ones.

Irises in the South

The iris is, of course, one of the South’s oldest garden flowers; one of my earliest recollections is of the beds of old blue and white flags in my grandmother’s yard. The modern iris, however, is not nearly so widely used through the Mid-South as its beauty and adaptability justify. It is true that in several centers, notably Corinth, Jackson and Holly Springs in Mississippi, and in Nashville, Atlanta and Shreveport, there are plantings of some of the country’s finest irises, but there are yet many sections where the new and better varieties are grown hardly at all. This is unfortunate, as it is generally agreed that the iris is one of our most dependable perennials.

In the spring I traveled over to Jackson, Mississippi, to see the iris planting of private grower who accumulated a sizable collection of the newer and better varieties.

The grower pointed out that price does not always determine the value of an iris and cordyline plants. It is usually the newer varieties, greatly in demand and limited in supply, that are high priced. Good garden varieties that have been on the market for several years may be had for a fraction of the cost of the very new introductions. June and October are the best months in the South for reworking iris beds and making new plantings or cordyline plant care, The iris enthusiast recommends planting the rhizomes on a small ridge with the feeder roots spread out and extending down into the soil. The rhizomes themselves are barely covered with soil; the tops of them are usually exposed after a heavy rain has settled the soil around them.

Dividing Daylilies

Since August is the accepted month for dividing and replanting daylilies as well as for making new plantings, I feel that perhaps many gardeners are dividing clumps more often than is necessary. While strong divisions will bloom the first year, it is not until the clumps are three or four years old that you can expect good, strong bloomscapes with the maximum number of flower buds. And one large clump makes a better show in the garden than half a dozen small ones.

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Avoid taking on too much at one time with organic home gardening. Knowing how to start a home organic garden right the first time is the best way to ensure success.

Start Small

Landscape Planting – Placing your starter plants among your existing landscape is quick and easy.

Small Beds – A small area no larger than 10 x 10 feet is the easiest to care for.

Container Planting – Placing your vegetable starter plants in containers allows you to have them close by as they can be on a porch, balcony or near your bushes.

Pick the Best Spot

Water ” A nearby water source is imperative. Struggling to get water to your plants when you are new to organic home gardening will make you want to quit fast.

Kitchen – This suggestion is not necessary, but who wouldn’t want the luxury of stepping out of their kitchen and picking fresh produce.

Compost ” Having a compost pile at hand or at least a good wheel barrel will cut down on your labor.

Grow Your Personal Favorites

Identify what you buy ” Make a list of the produce you normally buy. These are the plants you want for organic home gardening.

Grow what is expensive ” Are there certain vegetables you love to eat, but are very expensive in the store? If the plants will work in your climate zone, try growing them yourself.

Play with variety ” With home gardening, you have the freedom to experiment with diverse types of your favorites.

Keep it Simple

Use Plants versus Seeds – Seeds can create frustration for any beginner. To ensure your journey is enjoyable and easy, try using starter plants from your trusted local nursery.

Amend the Soil – Drainage is imperative for a successful organic garden. Using a mixture of peat moss, compost or other amendable products will ensure your soil is optimum for growing hardy plants. Soggy, clay will result in root rot and dry soil should be covered in at least two to four inches of mulch. The mulch promotes conserving moisture for your plants while defending against pesky weeds that steal water and nutrients from your precious plants. In addition, compacted soil deters plants from receiving the nutrients they need.

Mulch – This promotes moisture retention as mentioned earlier. It also keeps those pesky weeds at bay.

Rhonda Abrons has been in love with organic gardening for many years. She loves to share her knowledge with fellow gardening enthusiast on Clivir.com where you can find her lessons about Organic Garden Pest Control and Permaculture Organic Garden.