As we slip into the fall season, it’s a great opportunity to revitalize our gardens and to set the tone for a beautiful transition from summer into fall, winter and spring.
First, the planting. You won’t be able to enjoy six months of fabulous bulb colour unless you get them in the ground. All bulbs need time to develop a good root system before winter. Soil temperatures in October are ideal for rooting. Remember to keep the soil light and porous for the best long-term results. Snowdrops, aconites and crocus bloom first, so please make them a priority.
Once the bulbs are in, why not add fall and winter colour with ornamental kale, winter pansies, violas, dusty miller and evergreen grasses. As well, hardy perennials can still be planted for a good display next year and with some careful planning, you really can enjoy continuous blooms from February through November.
Don’t forget about adding garden colour with trees and shrubs at this time, too. Many trees have colourful winter bark, berries, foliage and flowers and are always a welcome addition to any winter garden.
Gardening for wildlife is very popular. One of the best ways to attract birds to your garden is by planting trees and shrubs that provide shelter and food. You might also begin a feeding program.
Lawns can now be aerated before winter. Heavy winter rains cause soils to become quite acidic, resulting in poor root growth and rapid moss infestations. A good aeration, followed by a ¼” application of coarse sand, will make a tremendous difference in the quality of your lawn come spring.
You should now apply a fall fertilizer to your lawn to tone it up before winter. In coastal areas, a ‘slow-release’ nitrogen fertilizer works best. In wet areas, Dolopril lime should be applied now, not in the spring. Apply it at the rate of one bag per 2,000 sq. ft. to prevent your soil from becoming too acidic. Keep mowing your lawn until the cold weather slows its growth.
It is also garlic time. If you would love some garlic scapes in June and fresh garlic in July, now is the time to plant. For a great start on next year’s fresh garlic, use well-drained soil, raised or bermed beds and plant the cloves 3-4” deep and 4-6” apart.
