It’s August and I’ve been busy keeping up with the garden produce in between the rains. The garden has been very plentiful this year, I’ve done some freezing and canning and share extra produce with friends and relatives. So far no one is running away from me even when I have extra zucchini to share. I try to go to the garden every day to keep up on what is ready to harvest that day or what may be ready in a day or two. The summer squash and zucchini grow very quickly and if left go may get large very quickly. I also like to try new recipes using fresh produce.

I planted several different varieties of tomatoes and all are ripening now. Some varieties are good for eating fresh, with some interesting names like Beefsteak and Boxcar Willy and some are best for canning-Amish Paste and Romas. With the wet humid weather we have had, there has been some problems with blight on the foliage. Tomato plants like to have moist ground around their roots but do not like have their foliage wet. 

During the growing season, try to remove excess foliage; tomato plants have the female fruiting part and a male non-fruiting part. Remove the male part-this gives the plant more energy to go to fruiting. It also helps with more air flow around the plants. In the future when planting make sure you do not plant tomatoes in the same location as the year before and give the plants lots of space in between. Also, this fall when cleaning up your garden, especially if you have experienced blight, rake up all the old vines, foliage and any mulch you may have used and destroy everything. Do not put any of this material in your compost.

In August and September, it is a good time to do some plant dividing. Overgrown and crowded irises can be dug up. Cut off greens leaving about an inch, carefully break up the tubers and try not to damage any roots. This is the best time to remove any weeds and grasses that have grown between the tubers. Sort through the tubers and destroy any that may have insect damage or rot. The tubers should be firm. Irises do not want to be planted deep, plant very shallow with the roots placed down and water if needed.

If daylilies and hostas have gotten too large for the area you have them this is a great time to split them. They can also be dug and split into the size you desire and replanted. Hopefully you find a place to put your extra plants or share with a friend. I like to cut off the foliage in the fall. 

Looking ahead to the fall, this is the time to plant spring bulbs like tulips, crocus, daffodils and hyacinths. There are so many beautiful and colorful kinds to choose from. Follow the planting instructions on the package and next spring you will enjoy them.

— Kris Winkler is a master gardener with the University of Wisconsin-Extension. She can be reached at kriswink56@gmail.com.