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Outdoor Plants, FALL, GARDEN CARE, Fall

Fall Gardening Clean-Up

September 14, 2020

Fall Gardening Tips

The season is changing, bringing cooler temperatures. It’s time to think about preparing your garden for fall and winter. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

BRING TROPICAL PLANTS INSIDE

If tropical plants have been part of your outside décor, you can bring them inside for the winter. Spray insecticidal soap to ward off insects that may have taken up residence, prune damaged leaves, add fresh soil, and place them in a sun-appropriate spot to continue flourishing over the winter.

PLANT FALL BULBS

Tulips, crocuses, daffodils, anemones, and hyacinth are just a few spring-flowering bulbs that require planting in the fall. If you are a veggie gardener, fall is also the time to plant garlic bulbs.

FALL LAWN CARE

Fertilizing, top-dressing and seeding your lawn in autumn will give your grass a boost for next spring.

Apply Parkwood® 10-0-14 Fall Fertilizer in autumn anytime from September to November.

FALL PRUNING

Trees and shrubs can benefit from late fall pruning to help develop new growth in spring. But be careful; some varieties, including many hydrangeas, require old wood for new spring growth. Some plants also do better with spring pruning. Be sure to tailor your pruning plan to your specific garden varieties.

PREPARE TO WINTERIZE

Winter protection, or winterizing, your garden will protect specific plants during severe weather. You can protect fruit tree trunks from rodents and rabbits by using a spiral tree guard or Skoot, a non-toxic bitter-tasting deterrent, on the bark of the tree.

To keep the branches of junipers and cedars upright, use a plastic mesh and spiral down the full length of the evergreen. Trees and shrubs that are damaged from snow or ice won’t snap back into place in spring and will need to be pruned. Rhododendrons are prone to windburn in winter and should be protected with burlap. Roses can easily be covered with a rose hut or hilling.

FILL UP THE BIRD FEEDER

Food is tough for birds in the winter and keeping feeders full of seeds with high fat and oil content will keep them full and nourished. Suet is also an excellent food source for winter birds.

 

 

REMOVE ANNUALS AND MULCH GARDEN BEDS

Removing annuals from garden beds lowers the risk of overwintering pests and diseases. Pull out your annuals, remove excess dirt, and add them to your compost bin.

PLANT SOMETHING NEW

Fall is a great time to plant new perennials, trees, and shrubs. Cooler temperatures with shorter days create a perfect growing environment. After planting, mulch and water your new plants right up to frost.

Fall is a great time to be out in the garden, and there are many tasks to extend your gardening season and ensure you are set up for success next spring.


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