With autumn approaching there are plenty of chores and projects that need to be completed before winter settles in. Don’t waste valuable time on unnecessary projects and chores. Things to do around the garden include:
- Plant trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials. Cooler weather and more rain make autumn the ideal time to plant. Roots will grow enough to establish the plants before winter and give them a head start in spring. However, certain varieties, such as magnolias and ornamental pears, should not be planted because they tend to root slowly and may not survive.
- Dig up tender bulbs, such as caladiums and dahlias, and store them for the winter. They can be planted again in the spring when danger of frost has passed.
- Add fallen leaves to the compost pile. They can also be shredded with a lawnmower, raked up, and used as mulch over flower beds.
- Clean up diseased foliage from perennials and bushes. Do not put the plant material in the compost pile as it may not get hot enough to kill the pathogens.
- Test the soil. Most soil labs are not as busy in the fall. Results are returned faster and soil amendments, except nitrogen, will have time to settle over the winter.
- Leave plant stalks with seeds or berries that feed birds through the winter. These plants include purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and sunflowers. Also, clean up bird feeders and get them ready for use.
- Leave groundcover, logs and brush piles for beneficial insects to overwinter in. They will be ready to go to work for you in the spring.
- Divide plants that require dividing. Some varieties include yarrows, iris, coneflowers, brunnera, hostas, dianthus, lamium, daylilies, primrose, and geraniums. Divide plants on a cool, cloudy day and replant immediately. Each division needs at least one bud and some roots. Not all perennials should be divided in the fall.
- Clean and store garden tools that will not be used over the winter. Drain the water from garden hoses and coil them. Store them in an area where they will not freeze.
- Fall is a good time to collect dried seeds for next year from open pollinated flowers vegetables.
- Start a fall garden. Chrysanthemums, impatiens, and pansies are old favorites for fall flowers. Some growing zones can support a fall vegetable crop of spinach, turnips, collard greens, mustard, radish, lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower.
- Prepare flower pots, window boxes and hanging baskets for the winter. Some potted plants can be brought inside for the winter.