Fall
brings cooler air temperatures, continued warm soil temperatures, and more
consistent rainfall - the perfect time to plant and transplant just about
anything (especially trees) - and it is easier on us gardeners too! Tree
planting is the most effective when it is done in the fall. This is because the
tree roots continue to grow until the ground freezes and will grow again in
spring allowing extra time for the tree to become established before our brutal
summer weather hits. Trees should be fertilized towards the end of October, and
tree fertilizer spikes placed at their drip line are a perfect choice. Use one
tree spike per one inch of tree trunk diameter. This will make for beautiful
foliage next spring! (The diameter of
the tree is a measurement found at a cross section of the trunk 12” above the
ground.) Be part of the Hillermann Tree Challenge! Join a program to enhance
the Washington Missouri’s 175th Anniversary. The Parks Department hopes to
plant 175 trees in city parks. Donors receive a 25% Off Hillermann tree coupon
for later use. Hillermann’s will donate one additional tree for every 25 trees
bought by October 31, 2014. Contact the Washington Parks department for a
donation form.
Fall
is also the best time to divide and transplant perennial clumps. Any spring or
summer blooming perennial plants can be divided now. Make sure you prepare the
area where the plants will be transplanted using some type of organic material,
like cotton burr compost. Use compost at the rate of 1/3 compost to 2/3’s
native soil for your garden projects. Cut back spent flower heads and foliage
as it starts to die back for its winter dormant period. Leave ornamental grasses
alone until early spring as their dried foliage will add a wispy, interesting texture
to your winter landscape.
Lawn
seeding should be finished by October 15th to insure germination and
plant growth yet this fall. Choose a seed mix for your specific lawn area: sun,
shade, sun/shade, play, drought, etc. Fescue mixtures are best for durability
for our area. Fescue blends should be spread at a rate of 5 lbs. per 1,000 sq.
ft. on bare ground, and 2-3 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. on a lawn with a 50% stand
of grass. Be sure to aerate and renovate your yard when over seeding for the
BEST results. Without these steps, it is like throwing grass seed on to concrete
because our soil has such high clay content and compacts so easily.
It’s
time to plan and plant for next spring’s bulb show! Tuck bulbs into your
perennial border, mingle them amongst your ground cover, naturalize them around
trees, or they can stand by themselves in beds and planters. Plant for a
succession of blooms; start with the ‘early birds’ which include crocus and snowdrops,
follow with an abundance of narcissus and hyacinth, and finish with a flourish
of tulips and irises. When planting, fertilize with Dutch Bulb Food or Bone
Meal and make planting easier by using bulb planters or bulb augers that fit
your drill. For holiday blooms, buy paperwhite and amaryllis bulbs now to force
blooms inside during the month of December.
DON
‘T take your hummingbird feeders down before mid October. The bird’s biological
clock tells them when to migrate south. THEY ARE NOT dependent on us removing the
feeders at a certain time! Hummingbirds who have started their migration from
up north will appreciate finding your feeders along the way.
With
winter coming, remember that gardening is not just confined to outside. Start
an herb garden on a sunny windowsill and enjoy freshly snipped herbs or salad
greens all winter long. Bring color and texture to any room-with blooming and
foliage houseplants and cacti. Bring tropical plants that have spent the summer
outside indoors before the night temperatures drop below 45F. Be sure to check
carefully for signs of pests or diseases first, and treat as needed.
In
October, you also need to prepare your water gardens for winter. Cut back dying
foliage of hardy water plants and sink pots to the bottom of the pond. Cover
your pond with a mesh netting to protect it from the buildup of falling leaves.
In the winter, install a de-icer or pond heater to keep a hole in the ice for
the fish to breathe. This will let the ammonia gases escape the pond. Stop
feeding your fish when the water temperature reaches 55F.
Evaluate
your summer plantings of annuals and vegetables while they are still fresh in
your mind. What varieties worked well and what did not? Which varieties gave
you the best flower display or yield? Remember that spring is just around the
corner! So begin planning for next spring’s flower and vegetable gardens now.
Enjoy your yard and garden in every season!
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
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