What to plant this month and more gardening tips

Petunias, snapdragons, nicotiana, calendula and dianthus are among the
more heat tolerant cool-season bedding plants, and can be planted
earlier than more heat-sensitive plants such as pansies. Plant petunias into the garden now for blooms this fall and next spring.

• Known as spider lilies, hurricane lilies or naked ladies, Lycoris radiata blooms this month. When the flowers stalks of this traditional Southern bulb have faded, trim the stems to the ground. Watch for the narrow, dark green, silver striped foliage to appear, and be sure not to cut it back during its growing season this winter and spring.

• Many summer weeds are setting seeds now. Do not let this happen! Pull these weeds and dispose of them to reduce weed problems next year. In particular, stay on top of gripe weed or chamberbitters. This weed looks like a little mimosa tree and sets copious amounts of seeds. Pull them up promptly wherever you see them in beds and make sure the mulch is about two inches thick to prevent them from growing back.
• Look for ornamental peppers in area nurseries now. They come in an amazing array of foliage and fruit colors and provide long lasting color in autumn displays in pots on porches and patios. Plants display multi-colored fruit of cream, yellow, orange, lavender, purple and red depending on the variety. They combine beautifully with chrysanthemums and ornamental pumpkins and gourds. Also try marigolds planted in pots or beds now for a long, autumn bloom season in yellow, gold, orange and mahogany.