Tasks for the Fall Garden

After the long, summer growing season, it’s time to put the landscape to rest for the winter. Here are some pointers for getting things in shape.

– After the first frost, pull up annuals and compost them. Don’t include diseased material in the compost pile, though. Bag and put in the trash instead. Leave perennial seed heads in place for reseeding and for food for birds, like Goldfinches.

– Check irrigation and adjust the frequency since fall typically brings more rain.

– Dig any tender bulbs and tubers that need to be stored inside such as dahlias, gladiolus, and begonias. Store them in a cool place like the garage.

– Plant some colorful, cold tolerant annuals such as pansies, chrysanthemums or flowering cabbages.

– As late as the first week of October, a new lawn whether by seeding or sod is still a possibility.

– Start planting spring flowering bulbs later in the month, such as narcissus, hyacinths, and tulips as well as more unusual ones like alliums and scillas. Plant three to four times deeper than the height of the bulb, e.g. a 1” bulb is planted 3-4” deep.

– Plant perennials and ground covers in areas that need more color or cover. There are often good plant sales this time of year as garden centers and nurseries clear out their stock.

– This is a perfect time for planting new trees and shrubs in your landscape or relocating ones that aren’t in the right spot.

– Mulch leaves from your lawn and add to plant beds. Oak leaves are especially good for rhododendrons and azaleas since they add acidity to the soil.

Snow Creek Landscaping is a full service landscape company. For more information, call 828.628.2227 or visit us on the web at www.snowcreekinc.com.