Fall Planting Tips

Just because the weather has turned a little cooler and we’re headed toward October doesn't mean that it is time to put away those garden gloves.  October is still the heart of harvest season.  The cooler weather and rainfall also make October a great time to be planting shrubs, trees, perennials and tackling other transplant projects. 

Cooler temperatures of October encourage plants to slow their growth cycle.  Even though the air is a bit crisp, the ground is still warm, which is a great environment for plant root development.   You should keep watering everything in your yard until we have our first hard frost, which is generally around the second or third week in October. 

Take the time now to evaluate your garden so you are ready when fall project time arrives.  How do your perennials look? Daylilies or hostas getting too big for their homes? Now is a great time to split them up.  You can repurpose them in other places in your yard or even list them on Craigslist.  People in need love free plants!  Plan a garden day with friends and swap plants, you might end up with a unique new garden to take home at the end of the day.

There is no way to get around it: for your grass to look good, you need to take care of it.  By take care of it, we mean you need to fertilize it. Not only does it make your grass a luscious green, but it is also great for the environment, when done correctly.  Healthy grass has a dense root system that holds soil, which prevents it from running off and polluting the water.  Fertilizing on or after Labor Day is the golden star of best fertilizing practices, because nearly all of the fertilizer goes right into the soil.  Check out this link to determine which how-to is best for how you take care of your lawn.  Now is also a great time to lay sod and spread grass seed.

  You can also think about planting bulbs for the spring.  Tulips, crocus, daffodils and hyacinths are great choices that will produce bold color in the spring.  Look for firm, healthy looking bulbs when you are shopping.  

On a final note, make sure that you clean up your lawn at the end of the season.  Leaving mounds of grass clippings and leaves on your yard can invite diseases.

(all images via Corbis)