Gardening Tips to ‘Fall’ For
There’s no mistaking it…. Fall is in the air. It’s time to enjoy cooler weather, glorious fall colors of reds, oranges, and yellows in the landscape, and fresh-picked apples and cider. If the cooler weather has restored your energy and interest, here’s a list of helpful hints to keep you from ‘falling’ behind in your early fall gardening chores.
H2O! Dry weather spells trouble for landscapes – lawns, trees, shrubs, perennials, and annual flowers – are all affected by the ongoing drought. Time to act – water deeply so it penetrates the soil and gets to the roots. In some cases, the soil may be so dry – hydrophobic – that it cannot accept water. Slow watering is best. Dousing or drowning plants for 5 minutes is NOT the answer.
The ‘Fall is for Planting’ campaign reminds us that fall is an ideal time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. Take advantage of this time to renovate or add to your landscape. Fall planting is favored by long, mild falls with adequate rain. Also, soil temperatures are still agreeable for root growth. Remember, roots continue to grow until soil temperatures drop below 40 degrees F. Another plus for fall planting: plants have finished with flowering and/or fruiting. They can now concentrate on root growth – critical for new plant establishment!
Lawn tips: Reseed any bare spots in the lawn. Check for grubs, treat with insecticide if found. Keep falling leaves off newly seeded lawns. Control broadleaved weeds in the home lawn; herbicides can be used according to label directions.
Houseplants become houseplants again – it’s time to move them back indoors. Do some careful inspections before you bring plants in – check the leaves (remember to look at the undersides as well) and remove any that appear troubled. Not sure what’s troubling them? Bring a sample of the problem in a sealed plastic bag and we will advise.
It’s time to think of spring – spring flowering bulbs that is! Remember, you plant in the fall to enjoy the splendor of daffodils, crocus, alliums, hyacinths, and tulips in the spring. Buy early for best selection. Keep bulbs in a cool, well-ventilated area until you can plant.
Fall is the ideal time to add pansies and violas to the garden and landscape. Plant in the fall and they’ll provide double-duty – color now and color again in the spring.
Continue to harvest any warm season vegetables. Gardeners will watch the weather for frost warnings. Don’t be too hasty to harvest cool season crops like cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts – a light frost helps to improve the taste of these crops.
