As the air begins to turn cooler (OK, just in some areas) and the daylight begins to grow shorter, it is apparent that the onslaught of fall is before us. Even though the temperature is not significantly cooler, the shorter days are enough to tell your plants it is time to begin preparing for colder weather and their annual rest period. Here are a few things to “do” as well as some “do nots” to prepare your plants for winter.

Do

• Keep plant debris and litter picked up to prohibit insects and diseases from over-wintering around the plants and planting areas.
• Eliminate weed growth any way you can to keep weed seeds from sprouting next spring.
• Once the weather cools, drop the cutting height of your lawn mower. Doing so will make it easier to remove leaves while the warm soil and cool air serve to encourage root growth.
• Fall is a great time to amend your soil with organic matter. If you are waiting to plant next spring, amend the soil in the fall to give it time to mesh and produce better results next spring when it is time to plant.
• Plant bulbs. Now is the best time to plant several types of plants like spring flowering bulbs, German Iris, and Daylilies.

Do Not

• Fertilize. You do not want your plants trying to put on lush growth in the fall. New growth is susceptible to freeze damage if the temperatures turn cold which could cause the plants to perish if severe enough.
• Prune or shear. Pruning triggers a growth response in the plant that is also susceptible to freeze damage. If you must prune, wait until you get some frost and be sure the plant is going into dormancy before you prune.
• Get rid of your leaves. Rake your leaves into a spot where they can compost. You can then incorporate them into your soil or use them as mulch in the garden for the winter. Bare garden soil is not a good thing for the beneficial organisms in your soil. They organisms are essential components that are the key to growing productive plants.

Remember, fall is a great time to plant a number of plants. The warm soil coupled with cooler air temperatures creates a great environment for plants to thrive and grow a healthy root system in anticipation of next spring’s growth. There are also a number of plants that can be moved successfully only in the fall. Spring flowering bulbs such as Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths, and other blooming bulb plants are in this category. They need the cold weather of winter to initiate flower development.

Other plants, including German Iris and Daylilies, naturally transplant easier at this time of year. During the fall, they are harvested from the field where they are growing and shipped in a bare root state that is both economical and easier for transplanting. If you have not done so already, be sure to check out our current selection of German Iris and Daylilies, all at special pricing and just in time for fall planting.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This famous saying fits well when thinking of your fall garden. If you want to get ahead of the game, do not wait for spring to clean up your act. Enjoy the cool, clean fall weather in your yard now and reap the benefits next spring when it comes time to plant and you are ready.

Happy Gardening!

Thought for the week!

~ President George W. Bush ~
speech after 9/11 attacks