|
| |
 |
Gardener's Fourth Quarter Checklist
|
October
- As the heat of summer eases, don't be fooled into
thinking the garden no longer needs watering. If dry conditions exist,
continue to irrigate in compliance with local watering regulations.
- As temperatures drop, begin to move and divide
plants. Spring bloomers are best divided now.
- Add a layer of compost to the garden.
- For the best bloom, feed chrysanthemums every two
weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer.
- Lightly prune and shape Lantana camera ' Miss Huff',
but wait until new spring foliage appears before cutting it back.
- Purchase fall bulbs and chill them in the
refrigerator until planting time.
|
Photo Karin Guzy
|
Fothergilla and maple are a pleasing combination in the autumn,
reflecting the colors of fall chrysanthemums in the garden.
|
November
|
Photo Karin Guzy
Larkspur and poppies can be seeded in November to germinate in spring.
Do not use pre-emergent in areas where these plants have grown as it
will prevent reseeding. Also, avoid heavy mulch that may smother
seedlings.
|
- Sow seeds of hardy annuals such as larkspur,
bachelor's buttons and poppies.
- Plant fall bulbs. Add bulb fertilizer to the soil.
Remember that tulips are not perennial in the south, except for
smaller species tulips.
- Plan for plants that make good partners: daffodils
and daylilies, bleeding hearts and hosta. As the foliage of one
perennial dies out, the other comes in. In this way, you have a
continuum of foliage and flower, and cleanup is decreased.
- Plant pansies, snapdragons, dianthus, kale and
parsley.
- Keep fallen leaves from accumulating on new
plantings.
- Cut out old wood on climbing roses. Plant new roses
and mulch them for winter.
- Add compost to the garden if you didn't do it last
month.
December
- Continue to plant fall bulbs.
- Remove and compost leaves. Keep the pile watered to
hasten decomposition.
- Organize the garage or potting shed. Sharpen and
clean garden tools. Scrub and stack containers by size.
- Put your garden to bed by mid-month. Clean up fallen
leaves and add mulch. A 3 to 5 inch layer of fine textured mulch, such
as pine straw or shredded bark, does a better job of conserving water
and protecting plants than a coarse-textured mulch such as pine
nuggets.
- After the first frost, dig and store dahlia tubers.
Label individual varieties. Store in perlite or peat moss. Do not let
the bulbs touch.
- Be vigilant about winter weeds, such a chickweed,
that can quickly overrun perennials.
|
|
