AUGUST GARDENING TIPS . . .

Roses suffer in the heat of August. Water deeply, mulch around the root zone to keep moisture in. With consistent care, roses should bloom again in the fall.

Cut back all hydrangea stalks that bloomed this year to 12 inches from soil level.

Clean up around fruit trees and pick any old fruit that could harbor soft rot fungus.

Plant a container of kitchen herbs on the patio next to the barbecue. Rosemary is great on beef or lamb and dill goes well with fish.

Trim off old flowers on summer annuals to prolong blooming.

If your azaleas have set their buds, switch to 0-10-10 fertilizer to promote bigger flowers in the spring. Using a high nitrogen fertilizer will cause azaleas to drop their flower buds and keep on growing.

Source: California Assn. of Nurserymen.