FALL AHEAD – PLANT NOW!

As the sizzle of the summer slowly leaves us for the fair-weathered temperatures of fall, we enjoy being outdoors more, but don’t always know what to do with our energies.  Many ask if it is too late to accomplish their fertile dreams of summer.  The following Chinese Proverb is my answer to that question.  “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago.  The second best time is now”.

Fall is also the best time to select trees and shrubs for that brilliant color.  It is surprising that trees vary in color, even those labeled with the same name.  Look for the brightest color in a block of similar trees.

Now is the time for planting many types of trees.  The cooler, moister weather of fall makes for less stressful conditions and lessens your chances of root loss.

Contrary to popular belief, fall is also the perfect time for adding many other plants to your garden.

Yes, I know how tempting it is to go crazy with new plantings come spring, but you can get a head start by planting many specimens now.  A plant set out now has summer’s peak heat behind it, the probability of soaking rains ahead and still warm soil to encourage immediate and deep root growth.

Water-wise gardeners have long recognized the value of fall planting.  As days shorten and nights lengthen, plants transpire less and require less water.  Strong roots begin to develop in the warm soil, and soaking winter rains encourage them to penetrate deeper.

For an instant garden and a blast of color as summer turns into fall, fill your flowerbeds and empty spaces in your landscape with chrysanthemums.  They come in a wide range of autumn colors from white, yellow, and gold to bronze and maroon.  Lighter colors tend to bloom earlier than the darker reds and purples, so select different colors for a longer display of color.

What’s nice about mums, in addition to the long bloom time, is that they can be transplanted while in full bloom.  Just be sure to water thoroughly until they become established.

Mums also work well as container plants to decorate patios, porches, and decks. Go easy on the water, however, to prevent root rot.  Potted mums probably will not do well inside as lower light levels often result in yellowing leaves and droopy flowers.

Flowering kale and cabbage also make nice fall plants to replace annual flowers.  Both will turn a beautiful color with the cold and will last until covered with snow.  Or try fall asters, which are grown in pots by many garden centers for sale at this time of year.  They provide good color, and many are hardy as well.

Think Spring

If you are hoping for flowers that spring up in the spring, you’d better fall back on some good gardening techniques.  Most importantly, dividing old perennials, planting spring flowering bulbs and repotting houseplants.

September is a good time to plant perennials.  The winter rest will allow the plants to develop strong root systems that will allow them to better withstand the heat of summer.

Plant bulbs in the fall, starting when nighttime temperatures stay between 40-50°F.  But, be sure to plant approximately six weeks before the ground freezes to allow sufficient time for rooting.  Bulbs will root best in cool soil and once rooted, undergo natural changes that keep them from freezing.  Water your bulbs after planting to help them start the rooting process.

Before you move your houseplants back inside, repot any that have become root bound and check them all carefully for insect pests or their eggs.  Spray with insecticidal soap.  Clear out your windowsills to allow as much light as possible to come in to keep your plants healthy.  Houseplants should be brought indoors before night temperatures drop below 50°.  Planting pots that will be stored away for winter should be washed in a solution of one part bleach and ten parts water to ward off fungus and disease next spring. 

You can pot up some herbs to take indoors for winter use.  Since many culinary herbs lose much of their flavor when dried, why not freeze then instead!  Pick the foliage, toss in a baggie, label, and store in the freezer until needed.

Tom McNutt is a professor emeritus at The Ohio State University and a retired TV garden expert.