Autumn in the Mid-Atlantic is a tricky animal. In fact, being that we are technically sub-tropical, the other seasons are reliably predictable. Spring may or may not start in March, but by April we’re clicking along; summers are hot and dry, and winters are relatively mild (and they are, so don’t be dramatic...you’d hate to live in Rochester, New York in winter). But fall is wildly unpredictable. For example, we are about six or seven inches shy of normal rainfall since August. And after an unusually cool start, we hit Indian Summer there for about a week when temps hit the nineties. And we are looking at the potential of five days straight of rain with cooler temperatures. All this, and the leaves haven’t even changed yet.
That said, it is most likely, although not guaranteed, that we are now done with Indian Summer. And as we’ve mentioned before fall is the absolute best time to plant trees and shrubs because the soil is still warm, which promotes vigorous root growth. Plus, fall is the time that trees and shrubs maximize the storage of nutrients and carbohydrates to be used in late winter and early spring. So planting in autumn really gives your plants a significant headstart, come spring. At the time of planting, be sure to add a soil amendment such as Bumper Crop® to ensure a nutritious jumpstart!
This time of year, everyone is thinking cool-weather annuals and vegetables including pansies, mums, cabbages, kale, and lettuces. But don’t forget about other, lesser-appreciated annuals such as sunflowers, celosia, snapdragons that thrive in cool, fall weather. And your ornamental grasses should be beautiful now, as many are in full-plume. Some people like to get a jump on their winter cleanup and cut back their grasses in fall, but that kind of defeats the purpose of having ornamental grass, that looks just as beautiful when it turns color in fall. Just leave it be until March. We have a lot of rain predicted for the next few days, so remember that if you plant during a break in the rain or anytime soon after, be very careful as you move about in your gardens. Wet earth is highly susceptible to compaction when stepped upon, and that is very bad for plant roots.
Find out what's happening in Del Rayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
And what would fall be without the annual Fall Festival at our Maryland location? Take a look at our schedule below and bring the family out to build some memories! We're not nearly as far as you think!
MARYLAND STORE ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
Find out what's happening in Del Rayfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
5-acre Corn Maze, Haunted Barn, Hay Rides, Tunnel Slide, Jumping Pillow, and much more family fun.
Saturdays and Sundays through October 27; 10:30am – 4:00pm
Special Events:
“Field of Lost Souls”
Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, and 31 7:30 – 10p
NOT recommended for small children…it is SCARY.
October 19 - Enter your pup in our “Howl-O-Ween” costume contest
For Fall Festival times, directions and event details visit our website: www.greenstreetgardens.com