Candy's Garden Oasis

Fall Garden to Do List.

21st September, 2009 - Posted by candy - No Comments

Though a few impatiens and petunias are still hanging on, it is time to start thinking about making the transition to fall and winter plants and prepping your garden for spring. Here are the four things we can do to ensure interest in your fall and winter garden, and also have beautiful plants in the spring.

1. Start planting pansies and violas now. These hearty winter annuals will replace the geraniums and impatiens you’ve been enjoying all summer, but don’t wait too long to get them in the ground or your favorite pots. Though I know that it is painful to pull out those summer plants if there are still a few flowers, it is best to switch over to pansies and violas now so they have more time to root and get strong so they survive the winter and flourish better in the spring.

2. Fertilize in the early to mid-fall no later than October. This is because plants will generally go dormant around the first of the year, so you’ll want to nourish them without over stimulating. Also pay special attention to anything that did not bloom well in the spring or summer by treating it a root and flower bud stimulant that works for both acid and alkaline plants.

3. Plant bulbs and new plants. But don’t get in a rush planting bulbs. The ideal time is usually between Halloween and Thanksgiving, when the weather has cooled down a bit more. Fall is the best time for putting in new plants with the cooler weather you don’t need to water as much, but it is still warm enough for the roots to grow filling in there new home so that come spring they will began to flourish.

4. Prune trees and shrubs. This is best done around mid-winter when leaves are gone making it easier to see growth patterns in the branches. Eliminate branches that are crossing, rubbing or growing into the center of the plant. Most pruning is a do it yourself, but I recommend calling a professional for anything more than 3 inches in diameter. You can find professionals through local garden centers.

Most of all just remember to enjoy your Oasis all through the fall. Have fun and enjoy. Until next time. Candy