Fall Tasks

In early July I could read the newspaper outdoors at 9:30 in the evening. These days I turn the lights on at the patio at 7:30. In a few months we will turn our headlights on at 5 pm. 

Plants react to the shortened day length more than we do.  Reduced photosynthesis triggers slower growth, increased root development and will soon cause leaves to turn colour and fall. 

The first day of fall arrives on Sept 22, bringing crisp weather, cooler nights, and heavy morning dew.  Gardeners will busy themselves looking after the following tasks:

Grass repair:  Early fall is the best season to sow grass on those weak areas of the lawn. Morning dew will take care of the watering for you. 

Plant bulbs:  Tulips, Daffodils, and Crocus planted this fall will reward you with colour next spring and many springs thereafter.

Divide perennials: Many perennials will benefit from lifting, splitting and replanting. Doing so in the fall will give plenty of time to build roots before freeze-up. 

Fertilize grass:  If your lawn is weak, apply root building fertilizer early in the fall to give grass a boost in preparation for winter.  If your lawn is strong, apply high nitrogen fertilizer in the fall rather than spring.

Apply nematodes:  Those who are bothered by grubs in the lawn and Japanese Beetles in summer would be wise to apply nematodes to early in fall while grubs are juvenile. 

Plant Mums: Fall mums are available now, and are the stable for fall decorating.  Buy Mums with buds that are not yet open for long lasting flower. Remember that Mums left in the pot will want water daily. 

Transplant shrubs:  If your landscape need a tune-up, fall’s cool weather and increased moisture will lend a helping hand.  I always prefer September and October planting because cool damp weather is my friend, and plants have 8 or 9 months to establish themselves before summer heat arrives. 

Clean up the veggie garden:  It won’t be long before harvesting your tomatoes and peppers will be complete. Tidy up the garden in fall so you won’t need to till the earth when the ground is wet in spring.

Turn the compost heap:  The more you turn over green goods in the compost unit, the quicker you will have rich compost to add to the garden later this fall or next spring.