Late Summer Garden Jobs: Weeds, Roses, Deadheading, Pruning

Late summer is prime time for several tasks:

Weed Control

Spot-spray or pull weeds before they set seed. The next six weeks are ideal for herbicide on tough perennials (kudzu, poison ivy, honeysuckle, English ivy) as they translocate to roots.

Tie Up Roses and Brambles

Secure climbing rose and raspberry/blackberry canes to supports now for better spring bloom. Tip-rooted canes can be transplanted in October.

Deadhead for Fall Blooms

Remove faded flowers on roses (cut to first five-leaflet leaf) and other shrubs to encourage a fall flush.

Prune Limbs

Remove up to ¼ of foliage on shrubs/trees. Azaleas can be pruned now if scraggly—minimal impact on next spring's flowers.

Spread these tasks over two weekends and enjoy the rest of the season.