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Fall Gardening Tips for Beginners
and Green-thumbs
Fall is a great time to plant spring
blooming bulbs, divide and replant perennials, introduce new
plants, shrubs and trees - or rejuvenate a skimpy lawn with
healthy new blends of grass seed.
So, whether you're a novice or savvy
gardener, dig in and start your fall planting. Performing
a few of these end-of-season garden chores will pay off with
beautiful blooms and a thicker lawn in spring and summer.
 >
Planting
bulbs
> Dividing
perennial plants
> Transplanting
shrubs and trees
> Maintaining
your lawn
> Sources
of fall gardening information and web links
Fall Gardening Checklist
Here are regional guidelines for fall
planting and garden maintenance in both cool and warm climates.
For additional seasonal gardening advice, refer to United
States Department of Agriculture hardiness zone maps at a
local library. Or, log onto the USDA's Web site at www.usda.gov/news/garden.htm,
to find your area's plant hardiness zone and planting recommendations.
You can also contact your state and
county extension service for more information about what and
when to plant in fall. Neighborhood nurseries and garden centers
can be another good source of information - they usually stock
plants appropriate to local climate conditions.
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If you live in
a cool climate: |
- Divide spring and summer
blooming perennial plants.
- Plant new spring blooming
bulbs and perennials.
- After frost, clean perennial
beds and borders by cutting down dead flowers
and digging up any weeds or diseased plants.
- Dig up tender bulbs such
as dahlia, canna and gladiola. Wrap them in
moist material and store in a cool, dark space.
- After ground freezes,
spread mulch over bare soil. Evergreen boughs
can be good mulching material for bulb beds.
- Transplant shrubs or
young trees to new locations.
- Keep watering newly planted
trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, until
the ground freezes.
- Spread winter mulch over
trees and shrubs, using up to 6 inches of organic
material like chopped leaves.
- Fertilize young trees
and shrubs that have been in the ground for
at least a year. No need to fertilize established
trees and shrubs if they are mulched.
- Protect grafted roses
by mounding mulch or soil 10-12" deep -
do not apply until ground is near freezing.
In coldest regions, shelter roses with a burlap
screen.
- Winterize hydrangeas
after leaf drop by mounding soil to cover the
lower 2-3 buds on each stem.
- Fertilize your lawn in
September and again in November.
- Mow grass short for the
final cut of the year.
- Clean out birdhouses.
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If you live in a warm climate: |
- Continue checking perennial
plants for pest infestations and disease. Find
out what's stressing your perennials and take
steps to clear up the problem.
- Clean up perennial beds
and borders. Cut down dead flowers, dig up and
remove diseased plants. Weed all areas that
are not mulched.
- Divide large clumps of
spring and summer blooming perennial plants
to control their size and renew blooming.
- Water citrus and avocado
trees to prevent fruit from splitting.
- Remove buds from camellias
for larger blooms. Water camellias to prevent
buds from dropping off. Mulch with pine needles.
- Stop feeding tropical
trees and shrubs. This gives them time to harden
for winter dormancy.
- Plant or transplant non-tropical
trees and shrubs. Delay fertilizing until spring.
- Prune injured branches
from trees and shrubs.
- Clean out birdhouses.
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Fall Chores for Gardeners
- Clean garden tools for winter storage.
Clean soil from tools and oil tools with movable parts.
- Sharpen lawn mower blades and pruners
- or take them to a professional for sharpening.
- Clean fallen leaves and debris from
gutters and downspouts.
- Store garden chemicals in a secure,
dry place - away from kids and pets.
- Turn off outside water faucets.
- Drain garden hoses so water won't
freeze causing cracks and holes.
- Bring in clay pots or garden ornaments,
as they can crack or break from fluctuating winter temperatures.
- Rake leaves onto compost pile or
run through lawn mower for use as plant protecting mulch.
- Use pine needles,
oak leaves or cedar chips to protect plants during winter
months.
- Cut back fall annuals like mums,
asters and pansies after they bloom.
- Trim tall grass away from trees and
corners of your home to discourage small rodents from nesting
there.
- Get rid of weeds. By pulling weeds
in fall before they go to seed, you can help reduce the
number of seedlings next year.
- Before bringing houseplants inside
your home, make sure they are free of pests.
- Finally, remember to enjoy one of
nature's most beautiful seasons while performing your fall
gardening chores.
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