What to Do in Your Garden in Late August/Early September: 7 Things to Do Now...

Late August/early September can be one of the most rewarding times in the garden here in the Treasure Valley. Your plants have had a long growing season, many are at their peak, and there is still plenty of gardening to enjoy before fall arrives.

At The Home & Garden Store, we know that gardening in the Boise area comes with its own challenges. Hot, dry weather, alkaline soil, and intense summer sun can all affect how your plants perform. A little attention now can help keep your garden looking its best and prepare it for the months ahead.

Flowers in bloom

Here are seven things we recommend doing in your garden right now.

1. Keep Watering — But Water Wisely

August heat can be hard on plants, even well-established ones. Continue watering trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetable gardens as needed, paying particular attention to newly planted plants.

We have stressed this throughout the season, but rather than giving plants a quick sprinkle every day, try to water deeply and thoroughly when conditions call for it. Deep watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, where moisture is more likely to remain available.

Check your soil before watering. If the soil is still moist several inches below the surface, your plants may not need additional water yet.

Newly planted trees and shrubs deserve special attention because their root systems are still developing.

2. Deadhead Flowers to Encourage More Blooms

Take a walk through your flower beds and remove spent flowers from plants that benefit from deadheading.

Flowers and more flowers...

Removing faded blooms can encourage many flowering plants to put their energy into producing additional flowers rather than seeds. It also keeps your garden looking cleaner and more attractive.

Perennials such as coneflowers, rudbeckia, and many other summer bloomers can continue providing color well into late summer when properly cared for.

And don't be afraid to enjoy a few faded flowers, too. Leaving some seed heads in place can provide food for birds and add winter interest later in the season.

3. Watch Your Trees and Shrubs for Heat Stress

Late summer is a good time to inspect your trees and shrubs carefully.

Look for wilted leaves, scorched leaf edges, premature leaf drop, or branches that appear unusually stressed. Newly planted trees can be particularly vulnerable during extended periods of hot weather. We see folks here at the garden center nearly every week with this type of problem

Mulch can help conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures. If you have mulch around trees and shrubs, make sure it is several inches away from the trunk or stems. Mulch piled directly against a trunk may create problems.

Your trees are a long-term investment. Giving them extra attention during hot, dry weather can pay off for years to come.

4. Check for Pests and Plant Problems

Take a few minutes each week to inspect your plants.

Look underneath leaves and along stems for insects, discoloration, holes, webbing, or other signs of trouble. Catching a problem early is usually much easier than dealing with a serious infestation later. The Home & Garden Store has the products that can help you if you are facing pest or plant problems and we have an Idaho Certified Nurseryman on staff to help you diagnose the cause.

Also keep an eye out for diseases that may become more noticeable as the season progresses.

If you aren't sure what is affecting a plant, bring a photo or a sample to Aloha Home and Garden. We'd be happy to help you identify the problem and discuss possible solutions.

5. Give Your Lawn Some Attention

Your lawn has also been working hard all summer.

Keep mowing regularly, but avoid cutting the grass excessively short during periods of heat. Taller grass can help shade the soil and protect the roots from drying out.

Keep an eye on areas that appear unusually dry or thin. Uneven irrigation can become more noticeable during the hottest part of summer. There are insects that can damage your lawn this time of year, so if you need help, stop by our garden center

Late August can also be a good time to begin thinking about fall lawn care. Planning ahead will help you take advantage of the cooler weather when it arrives.

6. Start Thinking About Fall Planting

One of the best things about late summer is that fall is just around the corner — and fall can be an excellent planting season in the Treasure Valley. We have a new shipment of fall mums arriving the week of August 20^th. Stop by and find your favorite mums for planting this season.

As temperatures begin to moderate, newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials can establish roots before winter arrives.

If you have been thinking about adding a tree, replacing a tired shrub, or creating a new flower bed, now is a good time to start planning. Aloha Home and Garden is offering 40% off on all trees. This offer is good through the end of August 2026.

Take a look around your yard and ask yourself:

• Is there an empty spot that needs a tree or shrub?

• Could you use more shade?

• Is there an area that needs additional color?

• Are there plants that have outgrown their current location?

• Would a new perennial bed improve an existing landscape?

A little planning now can make fall planting much easier.

7. Enjoy Your Garden!

This may be the most important item on the list.

After all the watering, weeding, pruning, mowing, planting, and maintenance, take some time to simply enjoy your garden.

Late summer is when many gardens really show what they can do. Sit outside in the evening, enjoy the flowers, watch the birds and pollinators, and appreciate the work you've put into your landscape.

Gardening isn't just about maintaining plants. It's about creating a place where you can relax and enjoy being outdoors.

A Few Minutes Now Can Make a Big Difference

Late August isn't the time to put your gardening tools away. There is still plenty to do, and the care you give your garden now can help it finish the season strong and prepare for fall.

If you have questions about watering, plant care, pests, soil amendments, trees, shrubs, or what to plant next, stop by The Home & Garden Store. We're always happy to help you find the right plants and products for your Treasure Valley garden.