Fall isn’t just for removing dead plants in the garden, although that is an important task. There are many garden chores for those cool, clear fall days. Go outside and enjoy the weather and the changing colors of the leaves, and keep these tips in mind while preparing the garden for the winter.
Planting Spring Bulbs
Now is the time to put in bulbs that bloom in the springtime. As winter drags on and on, and spring is just around the corner, you’ll be glad you planted them in the fall.
DO remember there's a lot of sun in a spring garden when planting tulips, daffodils, or other spring bulbs this fall.
DON'T be fooled by the patterns of sun and shade in the fall garden. Remember that come spring, all the deciduous trees will be leafless.
DO fertilize bulbs that have been left in the ground to naturalize. They will benefit from organic matter or special bulb fertilizer in the fall, and then again when the shoots first appear in spring.
DON'T bother fertilizing new bulbs. For the first season of blooming, a healthy Dutch bulb will already contain all the food it needs to support one season of spectacular growth.
DO water newly planted bulbs to establish strong root systems, before the frosts of winter set in.
DON'T plant bulbs for the squirrels! Plant each bulb at a depth of three times its height. A 1-inch-tall bulb would be planted 3 inches deep. There are exceptions, so do read any instructions that come with the bulbs.
DO set in the bulb with its nose straight up and its base in firm contact with the soil so that roots can form.
DON'T buy bulbs and forget about them. Plant bulbs as soon as possible after purchase, or store them in a cool location until planting.
DO choose firm, disease-free bulbs from a reputable garden supply store. Look for bulbs with smooth, unblemished surfaces.
Tool Care
Shovels, pruners, rakes and hoes — all garden tools will perform better and last longer if they are clean and rust-free.
DO clean stuck-on soil and other debris off all tools.
DON'T let tools rust. Fill a bucket with dry sand and then pour about a half a gallon of vegetable oil evenly over the top. Let the oil sift through and then push the tools in. The sand keeps the tools clean, and the oil keeps them rust-free.
DO spray or rub vegetable oil on larger tools after they've been thoroughly cleaned.
DON'T forget to sharpen lawn mower blades and pruners — or take them to a professional for sharpening.
DO store garden chemicals in a secure, dry place away from kids and pets.
DON'T let hoses freeze. Turn off outside water faucets, and drain garden hoses so water won't freeze inside them, causing cracks and holes.
DO bring in clay pots or garden ornaments so they won't crack or break from fluctuating winter temperatures.
General Garden Care
Spending some time working in the garden now will help make chores much easier in the springtime.
DO rake all leaves off garden beds. They harbor diseases and make great pest nests.
DON'T leave dead leaves and debris on garden beds over the winter.
DO mulch beds with shredded leaves or pine boughs after first frost.
DON'T forget tender bulbs such as cannas, gladiola and dahlia. Dig them up and wrap them in moist material. Store bulbs in a cool, dark place.
DO divide or transplant spring-blooming perennials in the fall before the first frost. Iris, peony and daylily are good choices.
DON'T leave divisions to dry out. Plant them as soon as possible.
DO water in any new plantings deeply.
DON'T leave annuals or vegetables in the ground over the winter.
DO compost healthy plants.
DON'T compost diseased plants.
DO add additional mulch where needed.
DON'T forget to water on schedule until first frost.
DO protect the grafts of rose bushes with a mound of mulch.
DON'T forget the hydrangeas. Winterize bigleaf and mountain hydrangeas (
Hydrangea macrophylla and
H. serrata) after their leaves drop by mounding soil to cover the lower two to three buds on each stem.
Enjoy these last lovely days in the garden and let the memories and anticipation of springtime sustain you throughout the winter.
Photos courtesy of Lori Pelkowski.
Lori Pelkowski, The Midnight Gardener, gardens and writes in historic Bucks County.
