Home Gardener....Timing in the Fall Garden

Timing is important to the gardener.  But sometimes we do things we need whether it is the “right” time or not.  I pruned some of my shrubs this past week because I had company coming and they were tall and unruly.  Normally, shrubs and trees are not pruned in the late summer or fall.   The reason for this is that off season pruning can trick your plant into unneeded fall growth. So, unless you have a specific reason why you need to prune it is best to leave it alone until later. 

Trees are correctly pruned from February to late spring.  For shrubs it depends on when it blooms.  Generally you prune a shrub soon after it blooms, never before blooming season. 

Now is the right time around here for seeding a lawn or any bare spots in it.  Try to get the seeds in before the end of September.

It is also a good time for planting fall crops like lettuce, spinach, radishes, kale and the like.  Fall crops can be fun to grow and very tasty too.  Clear a bit of space and slip in some seeds or plants even if you have never done a fall garden before.

You can leave house plants out until there is threat of frost.  So let them get those last days of sun and warmth to help carry them through the long winter.

If you are thinking of putting in a raised bed you could certainly do so in the fall and then it will be ready for planting next spring.  Start planning and get construction done before the ground freezes.  You will thank yourself next spring when your new beautiful garden bed is ready for planting.

Summer is not officially over for about four weeks but the air has a certain fall feeling to it.  Think fall and plant things now to enjoy in October!