Rick Durham, Consumer Horticulture Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky

Tomato flower drop.

Tomatoes are the number one plant to occupy vegetable gardens. When given good soil moisture, lots of sun, and some occasional fertilizer, they generally do great. However, tomatoes can be kinda picky when it comes to flowering and fruiting, especially with regard to temperatures. Tomatoes need temperatures above 55F but below 75F to set fruit. If temperatures are outside this range the flowers will likely fall off the plant. Also, if temperatures are 95F, especially with a dry breeze, young fruit themselves may be damaged and fall off. Do, if you are experience some flower and/or fruit drop this summer, don't despair. Things will likely get better once temperatures moderate.
 

Keep those woody plants watered.

Mid to late summer is the time when many woody plants are initiating flower buds for next years blooms. If not watered adequately, these flower buds may fail to form, or those already formed may fail to develop. Also, berries on holly and pyracantha may drop if these is not sufficient soil moisture. Water applications of about one inch every 7 to 10 days should be about right. This can come in the form of rain or supplemental irrigation. If supplemental irrigation is applied be sure to adequately wet the root system to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches. While this is an important time for water, fertilizer should not be applied until the plants are dormant in mid to late October.
 

Bulbs will be on the market soon.

Believe it or not, fall is the time to be thinking about all those flowers we associate with spring: tulips, daffodils, crocus, hyacinths, and other easy to grow flowering bulbs. Displays of such bulbs will soon be popping up in local nurseries and garden centers and catalogs from nurseries are already arriving. Act now to get the best selection of bulbs for your gradens. As you select bulbs to plant, remember that the largest, and usually most expensive bulbs will produce the greatest show next spring. However, the smaller less expensive bulbs will still put on a great show in a landscape that may be pretty drab at that time of year. So now is the time to think about buying these bulbs but it is probably best to wait until mid to late September to plant them. In the mean time, store them in a cool, dry place. It's important to plant flowering bulbs at the proper depth. Generally a planting depth of two to three times the diameter of the bulb is appropriate. Don't force the bulb into the soil as this may damage the basal plate where roots arise and cause rotting. A light application of bone meal fertilizer at planting may be beneficial. Otherwise, flowering bulbs do not need fertilizer applied until growth emerges in the spring. At that time apply a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet.
 

Planting and propagating flowers.

August is the time to think about propagating and potting up some of those annual plants in the flower garden for extended color this fall and winter. Dig up smaller plants of coleus, begonia, and impatiens and transfer the whole plant to a pot big enough to accommodate the root ball. If plants are too large for transplanting, take cuttings from the shoot tips of these plants and root them in some moist vermiculite, perlite, or potting medium. Geranium cuttings can also be rooted in this manner, but it is best to let the cuttings dry for a few days before inserting them into the moist rooting medium. Fresh-cut geranium stems have a tendency to rot, but allowing the stem to dry for a few days (don't leave them in bright sun) will allow the cut end to begin to heal. Transfer rooted plants to larger containers and keep them evenly moist but not wet. All of these plants will require fairly bright light to continue flowering into the fall. A bright sun porch or patio would be best, although a south facing window with little shade from outdoor plants might work as well. Move plants indoors as the threat of frost increases. Watch out for pest on plants you bring in from outdoors. If you need to treat plants for pest, be sure to follow label directions carefully-don't assume that the pesticides you may have used in the garden are safe to use indoors. If you are lucky enough to keep plants through the winter, you can use these plants to propagate new plants for next year's flower bed.