Some gardeners have reached their limit and simply can’t wait to put this persnickety season to bed. They have had their fill of the many challenges and disappointments of this peculiar year.
But there are just as many of us who consider gardening year-round. Some folks are now busy with fall sowing.
Mother Nature’s internal clock realizes the time of the season and converts all those fading blossoms into seed. Regardless, if they are perennials, annuals, trees or shrubs, they all go to seed and are naturally released.
Spring perennials and some trees released their seeds months ago and those seeds have grown into strong new seedlings that will survive the winter.
Others will fall to the ground in autumn to germinate the following spring. Many winter hardy plants won’t even sprout without experiencing cold temperatures.
Cold stratification is the natural process where certain seed species go through a dormancy phase and must endure winter before germination.
Gardeners who planted hardy plants in spring and had minimal success, should try planting the same variety of seed in fall.
Seed catalogues that list a variety as “hardy annual” could wait until the fall to plant them.
Always transplant perennials by early fall so they’ll have time to establish their root systems.
Irises (bearded and Siberian), peonies (Paeonia) and daylilies (Hemerocalis) need this time to settle in.
Ornamental grasses should be cut back in the spring. They need spring conditions (warm temperatures) to grow new roots.
Fall transplants may not survive the winter. Grasses left standing will add interest to a bleak winter landscape.
Late summer and very early fall is a perfect time to plant trees and shrubs.
The expense of purchasing and planting of some trees and shrubs should be left until the spring, especially if past winters have been known to be severe or have had casualties.
If trees and shrubs have already been planted it is mandatory that they receive deep watering (a full pail). Water encourages root growth. Trees and shrubs that are deprived of water will be stressed in the winter.
Planting tulips (Tulipa), daffodils (Narcissus), crocuses and snowdrops (Galanthus) are a traditional fall garden activity. They can be planted until the ground becomes too difficult to dig.
Big bulbs are best. They will give you the largest blooms. Always choose a location with well drained soil.
Always plant the pointed end of the bulb pointing upwards, although the bulbs will actually grow in any position.
The standard rule of thumb for planting depth is three times deeper than the height (e.g. 6 cm bulb = 18 cm deep).
Bulbs that don’t have a pointed end should be planted on their side. They will right themselves as they grow
Protectiing bulbs
A chicken wire envelope will protect bulbs from wildlife. Placing bulbs in a protective “cage” will not impede their growth.
Purchase extra bulbs for spring forcing. Fill the pot with potting soil, leaving a few centimetres at the top. Plant bulbs close to the edge of the pot so that leaves drape outward. Place pots in a cold dark place. Check the pots to make sure the soil is moist.
In about 12 to 16 weeks (or when shoots are visible) place in indirect light. Once the flower buds are visible, move them into full sun.
Lawns always do much better if started in fall. Grass seed and sod require ample moisture. Summer heat and wind will dry the soil. Cooler temperatures eliminate evaporation allowing roots to develop.
Clearance sales are always a huge temptation for astute shoppers. Purchasing a marked down tree just before winter sets in may not be such a bargain if the probability its survival is vastly reduced if planted in the fall versus the spring.
Full root growth is absolutely necessary for some species before they will be hardy enough to survive our winter.
Sale prices that post huge reductions of 75% off are not a bargain if a particular species is dead before spring returns.
Fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs, cut back perennials, remove annuals and rejuvenate the lawn for next spring.
Remember to keep watering. Trees and shrubs that are deprived of water in the fall will be easily stressed in the winter.
Ron Stevenson is a member of the Fergus Horticultural Society.
