Timely Tips for Your Autumn Garden



Photo Courtesy ©Dr. DeNo
 

·        After the first frost, pull up annuals and vegetables and add to the compost pile.  You can continue to add to the pile all winter.  Reserve leaves to add as browns.

·        Resist cleaning up your perennials for awhile and leave the dried seed heads for the birds.  Mulch around them after the ground has cooled. 

·        Dig and store summer bulbs such as dahlias, cannas, gladiolas and tuberous begonias.  Spring blooming bulbs can still be planted until the ground freezes.

·        Fertilize lawns by the end of November with a 10-6-4 or its equivalent at 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.  Rake leaves off the lawn to prevent matting and killing the grass.

·        Remove and discard debris from under rose bushes.  Trim the canes back by no more than one-third if they are tall.  Major pruning is done in the spring.

·        Continue to water (if it doesn't rain) newly planted trees, shrubs and evergreens.

·        Check houseplants for insects before bringing them indoors.  Avoid overwatering and reduce the fertilizing schedule.

·        Winterize the lawn mower after the last mowing.  Clean the garden tools and rub a light coating of oil on them before storing for the winter.  Drain and store the hoses.

·        Keep firewood outside until ready to use.  The warmth of the home might "wake up" sleeping insects!