Prepare For Fall Gardening

As school starts and Labor Day approaches, the time is right to start thinking about fall gardening and activities. Since so many people say this is their favorite time of year, local greenhouses and garden centers have already been planning for the change of seasons.

Employees at say it is not too early to think about planting early spring bulbs.

“The Cleveland area is Zone 5 on the planting chart, which means bulbs should be planted in late September or early October,” says one garden expert. “But now is the time to decide what you want to plant and in what location, so you will be ready when it’s time to put the bulbs in the ground.  If you can’t plant the bulbs immediately, store them in a paper bag in a cool spot with good ventilation.”

Another popular plant coming to Gale’s is the icicle pansy, which has been bred to bloom and survive in the harshest of winter climates.

Dean’s Greenhouse is currently clearing out space and making room for the plants of fall. Some cornstalks and hay bales are already in place, but while waiting for gourds and Indian corn to come in, you can stop by and enjoy a late summer walk in their English-style garden or sign up for a late summer canning class.

The tomato canning classes are sold out, but salsa canning is still available. There is also a waitlist for the tomato classes, in case there are any cancellations or another seminar is added due to demand.  You may also register for these canning classes on Dean’s website.

Starting Sept. 10, Dean’s will begin Fall Fun Fest, complete with hayrides, crafts, and the ever popular bouncy houses to amuse the kids. Mums, pansies, pumpkins, and more will be available for purchase at this time. The festival runs through Oct. 16, plus the last two weekends in October.

Gale’s Garden Center is already filled with new clothing and merchandise for fall. A popular trend for Halloween is sparkly spiders – whether they are in glitter on a shirt or made into rhinestone pins.  Several Halloween villages are on display along with a wide variety of autumn home décor to suit every taste.

Both Dean’s and Gale’s are having a clearance sale on summer supplies and plants to get ready for fall. Stock up on your favorites while you start preparing for the fall gardening season!