"Gardening requires lots of water -- most of it in the form of perspiration."

LOU ERICKSON

August isn't the busiest month in your flower or vegetable garden, but there are tasks that need to be done.

Because of continuing hot weather expected this month -- the thermometer may routinely read in the high 90s -- you should avoid work during the heat of the day. We also have many cool nights during August, so you might choose to get up early, greeting the sun as it rises, and work for an hour or so during the early coolness; or maybe you'll wait until just before sundown to work in the refreshing cool of the evening. Either way, you will avoid the possibility of getting overheated, sunburned and cranky.

The following are some of the garden tasks you may need to take care of this month:

* If you planted trees or shrubs this spring, in addition to keeping them well watered, you should monitor them for damage from insects and disease. Be aware that the horrific winds we are experiencing this year may have caused damage that needs your attention.

For puzzling insect damage, look for and capture any suspected insect that might be responsible for the damage and bring it to the Master Gardeners Plant Diagnostic Clinic, 104 N. First St. in Yakima, for help to identify and to learn how to control the pest.

If you find a broken limb, prune it back to where it is attached to another limb or the trunk. Application of a so-called "dressing" after pruning is not recommended. Although these products are sold to prevent insects or disease from entering pruning cuts, they are not needed. In fact, they can cause the very problems they are touted to prevent.

If you suspect your new tree or shrub has become diseased, bring a small limb sample (about 8 inches long) to the clinic for help in identifying the disease. If only a portion of the tree or shrub appears to be diseased, it would be helpful to also bring in a sample of healthy foliage.

* Continue deadheading your annuals and perennials. There is still time for some of them to bloom again before frost. If you have annuals that are finished blooming, pull them out and toss them in your compost pile, but only if they are not diseased.

* Keep weeding! Don't let them set seeds that will pop up next spring like, well, like weeds. Make sure the soil is moist before pulling weeds; this way you will be able to pull out the roots so they will not grow back.

Don't like to pull weeds? Pile on more mulch so seeds already in the soil won't be as likely to germinate.

* You may have noticed that your lawn isn't as green as it was earlier in the season. It's natural for lawn grass to slow its growth with the arrival of the scorching heat of midsummer. Although you may be tempted to green up your lawn by fertilizing it now, doing so would benefit the weeds more than your grass. It's best to wait until around Labor Day to apply your next lawn fertilizer.

* If your irises are getting crowded, this is the time to divide them.

Discard the older rhizomes and replant the younger ones growing at the edges of the clump. Cut the foliage back to about 6 to 8 inches. Replant each rhizome so that the roots are spread out and the tops of the rhizomes are barely above ground. Place a small rock or other weight on the rhizome after it is planted to keep it from toppling over in the wind. Water well and keep the ground moist until established.

* Harvest your vegetable garden crops before they become overly mature.

Tired of all the summer squash, tomatoes and green beans? A lot of the produce from the garden can be frozen with little effort and enjoyed later during the cold months of winter. The Union Gospel Mission always needs fresh garden produce, and don't forget your neighbors and friends who don't have a garden.

* Your roses, especially hybrid teas, may need one final fertilizing this month. It's best to take care of this chore early in the month. Fertilizing roses after the middle of the month is risky, causing tender new growth that will not harden off and go into dormancy before the first heavy frost. If this happens, the new growth will be killed, which may open your plants up to disease next spring.

* Washington State University Extension Master Gardener Program is an organization of trained volunteers dedicated to horticulture and community service. Questions about gardening, landscaping or the program may be directed toward the Master Gardener Clinic by calling 509-574-1600 or visiting the WSU Extension office at 104 N. First St. in Yakima. New volunteers are welcome.

Gardening calendar

An Hour with Master Gardeners: "Tomatoes & Salsa -- From Garden to Table"

Join Washington State University/Yakima County Master Gardeners for a class on tomatoes and salsa gardens.

The class will be at 10 a.m. Sept. 11 in the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden at Ahtanum Youth Park, 1003 Ahtanum Road, Union Gap. Parking and the class are free.

Info: 509-574-1600.

Arboretum benefit

Autumn Bounty -- Yakima Area Arboretum's annual fundraiser -- will be Sept. 11 at the arboretum, 1401 Arboretum Drive, Yakima.

Details: 509-248-7337.