Gardener’s To-Do List for August

August To-Do List for Zone 10

• Repot indoor plants in fresh soil.
• Plan the fall and winter food garden and assemble seed orders.
• Start tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and watermelons in pots—make sure they get enough afternoon shade.
• Protect the compost pile from full sun—coconut palm fronds or shade cloths will do the job, but leave air space between them and the top of the pile.
• Keep veggies growing strong with a top-dressing of compost.
• Continue to solarize empty beds to kill weed seeds and disease pathogens: Water the soil thoroughly, then seal it with clear plastic for 6 to 8 weeks.