Taking advantage of the fall as soon as the weather becomes cool is the perfect time to plant a perennial garden or some cool weather vegetables. Short season lettuces, quick maturing Kales and some fast maturing mild flavored onions, a home gardener favorite such as yellow, sweet Spanish or white also now is also a good time to sow some garlic for next spring’s garden. Plant the garlic in individual cloves so that when it comes up in the spring you will have fresh home grown garlic to enjoy.
Fall is a very under-used season that many people don not take the advantage to enjoy when it comes to gardening. Many novice gardeners don’t realize what crops can be planted late in the season because of their climate zones and miss taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and consistent rains which provide plenty of moisture to the plants. By planting as soon as you have cool nights and frequent rains you can start a perennial garden for the next spring.
This will allow the new plants to establish their root system and settle down for the winter avoiding stress to their roots when the growing season starts. Plant your perennials in a well draining part of the garden and put down plenty of mulch to help them get well established.
If you are planting new trees or shrubs do it while the ground is still warm being sure to stake them firmly to help protect if they will be expose to cold winter winds. Adding a layer of mulch will also help to prevent any weed seed that blow from sprouting up. Keep in mind that they will need to be watered even during the winter months. Snow does not always provide the root system with enough water to sustain new plants through a winter, so be prepared to water them.
Spring blooming bulbs such as daffodils, early blooming snowdrops, crocus and tulips should also be planted in the fall. Select which bulbs will be best suited for you then planted in layers as to give you a continuous burst of color during the spring blooming period.
Delicate plants such as roses should be covered if you reside in a colder climate. Covering them with burlap or strong rose cones will help to protect them from cold harsh winter winds.
Remember to fertilize not only your lawn in the fall but your plants as well. Fertilizing them in the fall helps them to withstand cold winters because the nutrients help to keep their roots fed and aids when the new growth starts. So go ahead and extend your gardening season from fall right into next spring and summer.
Eudora DeWynter offers tips on Fall Gardening
on her blog
at
http:www.gardentoolguru.com
