Weather patterns in the fall are actually like spring, but only longer and more buffered from extremes. Warm daytime temperatures and cool nights make gardening a breeze. Rainfall is normally more consistent in the fall months of September and October.
Gardening in the fall is just like spring except for a few minor differences. The major difference is the planting time for the plants to mature before the onset of winter. Timely watering and a light layer of mulch to hold the moisture in can offset this. Once the plants have emerged care is quite simple. In fact, fall gardens often have fewer problems because the climate is not favorable for insect and disease development.
Draw up landscape plans: Also repare the soil by improving texture, pH, fertility and organic matter content of the planting bed.
Plant Bulbs: Bulbs such as Allium, Fritallaria and Narcissus appreciate early fall planting to establish root systems before cold temperatures set in.
Order spring-flowering bulbs: Order so that availability is not limited when it is time to plant in October. (Now is also a good time to seed Myosotis or Forget-Me-Not, a gardener's favorite, which is direct-sown over tulip beds.)
Chrysanthemums and Asters can be set out in August for fall color. Plant these before blooms open up for a better establishment rate.
Ground Covers: These can be planted throughout the growing season, but it is recommended to plant English Ivy in early fall.
Divide clumps of established perennials, such as Daylilies, Hosta and Ferns, and transplant in your landscape.
If you grow Iris, divide rhizomes and replant, allowing adequate spacing of 12 to 24 inches or closer planting for an immediate effect..
Some evergreen landscape ornamentals, including Pines, Spruce and Junipers, are best planted in early fall planting so the roots experience at least four weeks of soil temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows for sufficient growth and minimizes transplant shock.
Mid-August is also a good time to begin lawn renovation. Begin by assessing your lawn for summer injury and other factors which take their toll on grass species. Eradicate weeds, and dethatch your lawn.
When buying grass seed, choose adaptable turfgrass species from local sources. For grass seed mixtures, choose those which are complementary in leaf color and texture. Blends of turfgrass varieties may be selected for tolerance of different environmental stresses. Bi-directional seeding gives the best results.
The final seed job should have good contact with the soil and be followed with light raking and rolling. Through germination, the soil must be kept evenly moist. Don't be quick to plant grass seed in the summer because germination is best during fall, when the air cools but ground temperatures remain warm.
Fall Chores for Gardeners
Monthly Tips: Choose from the following fall months for more exact tips of what to do during that month.