This week: Fall Garden Checklist
Hello,
While the autumnal equinox was way back in September, the temperature and the trees agree that fall is finally here! And with that, a slew of garden chores to close out the growing season. Here’s a list of what to do and when.
October
Finish planting perennials, trees, and shrubs
According to Cornell University, give your new plants six weeks to establish roots before soil temperatures dip below 40 degrees for the best survival rates. In Southwestern Pennsylvania, this typically means you should finish planting before November. If you are still planting in November, your plants will probably do just fine, but you might be stretching your luck. The later you install plants, the more you should consider adding a few inches of leaves, pine needles, or wood mulch to keep the soil a few degrees warmer.
Leave the leaves and perennials
Rake leaves into garden beds, add them to the compost heap, sweep them to the unseen edges of the property, or just leave them be. Fallen leaves and dormant perennials provide habitats for beneficial insects to spend the winter. Cleaning up in the fall removes their homes, sometimes killing the insects. If you have more leaves than your property can handle, shred them with a bagless mower. While this destroys the potential for habitat and may even kill some beneficial insects, it improves soil health and is better than sending leaves to landfills.
Collect seeds
Gather mature seed heads, clean them for storage, or sprinkle them around the garden.
Plan for 2025's garden
Evaluate where you might need more plants or plants with different bloom times. Consider expanding your garden beds. What seeds do you want to winter sow this year? Place your seed order soon.
November
Install new garden beds
It’s a great time of year to expand or create new garden beds. Try sheet mulching, also known as the smother method. Lay down cardboard where you want your garden to be and add a few inches of mulch (you can use all those leaves in your yard!).
Plant fall bulbs
Though non-native, who doesn’t love tulips, daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths? November is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs. While you’ve got your spade out, dig up any dahlia and canna tubers you plan to overwinter.
Clean garden tools
Brush soil and debris off your garden tools and wash them in a bucket of soap and water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Clean and sterilize cutting blades with rubbing alcohol. Wipe a light coat of mineral oil or WD-40 on metal surfaces for protection.
Drain the hose and shut off the outdoor water
Empty the hose of any remaining water and detach it from the spigot. Even if you have a “frost-free” outdoor spigot, shut off the water to the outdoor tap and drain the inside line. Frost-free is no guarantee, and the inside line can still freeze and leak. Save that plumber money so you can buy more plants!
December and January
Winter seed starting
Many native perennials require a period of cold stratification, making them perfect for fall and winter sowing. Directly sow seeds into the garden bed or, for best results, start seeds in pots outside.
Are there any tasks on your list that I missed? Drop me a note and let me know!
Elsewhere:
What happens to trees that must come down? They can take on a second life. Read this essay by Daryln Brewer Hoffstot about a beloved Sugar Maple at her farm.
Have a good week,
Julie