It’s fall already! Where did the summer go? I am sure you have heard the phrase “Fall is for Planting,” but do you know why we say this? Fall plantings have a wonderful success rate. Given the temperate nature of our fall climate with mild temperatures and generally adequate rainfall, the conditions are excellent for establishing new plantings successfully. The result is plants that grow faster and bigger, and they bloom better. The plant’s root systems get a second growing season before they must manage our (normally) hot, dry summers. Plant roots continue to develop long after the leaves drop off in the fall. Roots will continue to grow until freezing of the ground stops them.
Now is also the time to add color into the fall landscape with winter hardy pansies and violas, garden mums, and unique varieties of ornamental cabbage and kale. Transform the entrance to your home into a welcoming, colorful fall display with cabbage and kale, cornstalks, ornamental grasses, an assortment of pumpkins and squash, and maybe a scarecrow set on a hay bale.
Don’t forget spring flowering bulbs. Now is the time to
get the best selection of varieties and colors and you have until the middle of
December to get them planted
September is perfect lawn renovation month. Now is the
time to consider renovation and aeration. Aeration helps control thatch,
improves the soil structure, helps create growth pockets for new roots, and
opens the way for water and fertilizer to get to the roots of your lawn.
Once aeration is accomplished, it is a perfect time to over seed your lawn. Fescue blends take our summer heat and drought conditions better than Bluegrass seed mixes. Fescue lawn mixes tolerate heat, drought and traffic from kids and pets. After seeding, top dress with a starter type fertilizer, and you are ready to enjoy a beautiful green lawn for fall and spring!
The fall of the year is perfect timing for tree planting.
You should give some thought to choosing varieties for that special spot. Plant a tree this fall. You will help the
environment, lower your electric bills, and enhance your property value.
Here are a few other quick tips for this month. Begin to
adapt your houseplants for winter indoors. Check for pests and treat if
necessary. Houseplants should be brought indoors at least one month before the
heat is normally turned on. Sow fall vegetable crops through mid September.
Harvest herbs now to freeze or dry for winter.
Enjoy the cool, crisp air of Fall. Get outside, plant and decorate!
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
