THINGS TO EXPECT:
GROWTH RECOVERY of summer weary landscape plants. Will respond to decreasing daytime heat.
PREMATURE LEAF DROP can be expected, particularly on drought-stressed trees and shrubs.
ORANGE AND TANGERINE FRUIT SPLIT occurs on sunburned or otherwise inferior fruit.
PECAN APHIDS secrete a sticky, glistening honeydew on the leaves upon which they feed. Control of fall infestations are of little benefit, except to prevent the sticky drippage.
AGAVES may collapse into a putrid rotting mess during late summer, as a result of internal infestations of Agave Weevil larvae. They also infest the bases of Yucca stems, causing chlorotic decline and death of infested stalks. Controls should have been applied during May and June.
PECAN NUT DROP may yet occur. It’s a natural shed of insect damaged or undeveloped nuts.
RHODES GRASS & BERMUDA GRASS SCALE can weaken lawns now.
WHITE FLIES can be expected to build up on vegetables, flowers, etc., again this fall.
TIME TO PLANT SEEDS FOR: Snap Beans, Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (Head & Leaf), Leeks, Mustard, Green Onions, Peas, Radishes, Spinach, Turnips.
THINGS TO DO:
EARLY FALL FERTILIZATION can help the recovery of summer weary trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, lawns and flowers. Nitrogen fertilizer should be adequate. Follow with a good deep irrigation. However, it’s too late to fertilize freeze-sensitive plants, such as Citrus, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, etc.– Allow their growth to slow down for freeze resistance.
CUT BACK WATERING FREQUENCIES – needs decrease with shortening, cooling days.
GREEN UP SUMMER LAWNS with a nitrogen fertilization during early September.
EARLY FALL ROSE BUSH CARE – Prune out all dead canes and moderately prune back weak top growth, fertilize and folly with a deep watering.
PLANT CONTAINED TREES AND SHRUBS – September through October is best season.
PREPARE FALL VEGETABLE GARDENS and plant during late September through October.