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Fall Garden Chore Checklist

10/24/2020

 
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September
  • Cover water gardens with a net until fall leaves stop dropping.
  • Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs. Select a variety of bulbs that bloom at different times to ensure color from early spring through to early summer.
  • Clean vegetable beds and plant a cover crop (alfalfa, clover).
  • Remove all debris from cages and supports before storing, eliminating any insect egg casings or spores clinging to the support.
  • Annuals - cut back and remove old flower stalks and fertilize to encourage one more color before the winter.
October 
  • Ideal time to plant deciduous trees, shrubs, and roses.
  • Cover young plants with mulch to protect crown over winter
  • Leave mulch 6” from around base of newly planted trees. This protects from disease and animal damage.
  • Create a compost pile. Turn dead and dying foliage, weeds, and kitchen waste into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Shred leaves and crush egg shells for better decomposition.
 
November
  • Ornamental grasses should be left standing to protect their crown from a harsh winter.
  • Cut back perennials leaving 2-3 inches of the plant's stem to help protect fresh shoots from animal damage as they first emerge in the spring (also a reminder of where plants are located).
  • Leave some perennials (sedums, coneflower, black-eyed susan) standing, adding interest to the winter garden and attracting birds.
December
  • Group potted plants together in a sheltered spot in the garden.
  • Prune climbing roses. Remove diseased or damaged stems and tie in any new shoots to their support.
  • Prune vines at this time to minimize bleeding sap.
  • Hydrangea - leave the faded flower heads until spring to protect new buds from frost.

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    Author

    Debi Edwards
    Virginia Beach
    ​Master Gardener

    Categories

    All
    Fall Gardening

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