Backyard

Garden Club

Welcome to the August 2023 issue of the City of Brampton’s Backyard Garden Club

e-newsletter!

In this issue, learn how to prepare for late summer and fall planting and learn some fun facts about beans!

Have gardening questions? Email us.

Watering, weeding and preparing for late summer and fall planting! 

August is all about watering, weeding, and preparing for late summer and fall planting. As our gardens continue to grow, remember to water deeply once a week. Watered roots need to go down deep into the soil to keep your garden blooming and beautiful.

Tips to maintain and prepare your garden:

• Weeds are very active. Remember dead heading annual weeds, like garlic mustard, Canadian thistle, and black medic will prevent prolification of weeds next year.
• Use grass cuttings if available, they make a great mulch for your vegetable garden. Spread them around your plants and use them between the rows; they will help reduce the growth of weeds and will add nutrients to the soil.
• Use as little toxic chemicals as possible to control bugs. When you spray insecticide, you kill beneficial insects. No pollination can occur without pollinators.
• Nurture, tidy up and prune your vegetables, flowers, trees, and shrubs.
• Stop fertilizing your roses, trees and shrubs before mid-August. Further growth may not harden before the winter.

If you are thinking about a second crop of vegetables, consider planting beans, peas, lettuce and turnip!

Contributed by Carole Spraggett, Brampton Horticultural Society