The summer-fall transition is well behind us as we cruise into the heart of autumn. The leaves have suddenly begun to transition into their fall colors, after stubbornly clinging to summer, and begin their horizontal migration onto the lawn. And although we will have a slight warm-up over the next couple of days, winter is definitely looming on the horizon.
Even though we’ve flirted with frosts and freezes here and there over the past couple of weeks, there is still time to plant your cold-loving plants like violas and pansies. These little troupers will bloom cheerfully well into winter, hanging around to finish the job in spring. Truth be told, when it comes to gardening in the Mid-Atlantic region, you can pretty much plant anytime that you can work the soil. Our ground does not freeze for long periods at a time, which means that you can plant perennials, trees and shrubs right up to early winter. And since we have most in-stock trees and shrubs at 30% off right now, this is the perfect time to plant! Be sure to use a rich soil amendment, such as Bumper Crop® while planting to ensure robust spring growth.
Your window for fall yard maintenance is starting to narrow. So if you haven’t put down your lawn fertilizer, such as Turf Trust® in the past few weeks, this would be the week to do it. In fact, assuming that you overseeded the lawn in mid-September, it is now safe to fertilize without fear of burning new grass. Also, this would be a good time to fertilize perennials for head start on spring. In fact, your trees and shrubs could probably use a shot of slow-release fertilizer, too. Fertilizer for everyone!
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And what fall gardening article would be complete without a stern warning to get your spring-flowering bulbs in the ground? Tulips, crocus, narcissus, hyacinth, allium...we have everything that you need for a spectacular spring show. Don’t forget to use Bulb Tone® or bone meal when planting to ensure strong roots and huge blooms. Here’s a gardening hack you may never have heard of before....choose any of our in-stock perennials (buy three and get 25% off) and get them ready for planting. But when you dig the hole, plant the bulbs first and THEN plant your perennials on top. This underplanting ensures that you will have an early spring bulb show that will then give way to beautiful summer color. It is a way to maximize the planting space that you have available.
We have a spectacular weekend coming up, so take advantage to get as much of the winter cleanup out of the way early so that you can enjoy the fast-approaching holiday season. But, if we get some nice weather between then and now, don’t be afraid to plant! The more you do now, the less you have to do in spring!