Planting in fall can make for a better root system
With the advent of fall temperatures, many people think that bulbs are the only thing to plant now. But planting perennials, trees, shrubs and lawns in the autumn has some distinct advantages. The cooler temperatures and lower light levels help plants and lawns started now tooutperform spring plantings.
A plant set out in the ever-increasing light and warmth of spring immediately produces foliage at the expense of roots. Without a strong enough root system to support foliage growth, many spring-planted plants struggle throughout their first season. They lack vigor, remain relatively small and don’t usually blossom.
The cool temperatures and low light levels of fall are not optimal for foliage growth; therefore, fall-plantings, including lawn grasses, focus mostly on root development. This is why fall plantings don’t appear to immediately begin growing. However, even during midwinter, the root system continues developing. Come spring, a strong root system makes for a vigorous plant that can withstand our climate’s punishing conditions and is the basis for summer’s lush foliage and flower formation. A few tricks and tips will help ensure your fall plantings get off to a great start.
Visit the nurseries and pick up some bargains. Look for bright-green (healthy) plants and make sure that they are not root-bound. Plant them out and keep them well-watered; water is crucial at this time of year and you need to continue watering until the ground freezes. Do not prune or fertilize them; pruning and fertilization stimulate foliage growth and new foliage is very susceptible to frost damage. Apply a couple of inches of compost mulch after the soil freezes to keep the ground frozen and lessen thawing, which can damage roots. That’s all you have to do to get a jump-start on next year.
Now find a comfortable chair, a good book (gardening-related of course) and maybe take a little nap. If you end up dreaming about the beautiful flowers you’re going to have next summer, you can rest assured that your fall plantings will live up to all your dreams.
In the garden this week
•Cut back on watering for tomatoes. This will help them finish ripening. You can also cut the roots along one side with a shovel. Plan for frosty nights by gathering up some old blankets to cover them with – be sure to uncover during the day.
•Fertilize your lawn for the last time this season with a balanced fertilizer. This is the most important feeding of the year and will get your lawn off to healthy start come spring.
Pull spent annuals and vegetable foliage and compost.
•Start preparing perennial beds for winter: Cut back foliage on irises now and on other perennials as they begin to wither. Pull weeds and spread a 2-inch layer of compost mulch. Remove any fallen leaves, and compost or discard.
•Harvest winter squashes and pumpkins after frost has killed the leaves and the rind is hard. Store in a warm dry place for winter use.
•Clean and fill all your bird feeders. Fall migration is beginning and migrants need fuel for the rest of the journey. Consider putting up a suet feeder – woodpeckers, flickers, nut hatches and chickadees will visit it all winter long and delight you with their acrobatics. Don’t forget to sit in the garden and just enjoy the sights and smells of autumn.