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Gardening is fun in the fall. Weather is cooler and soil is easier to work. Less moisture this time of year allows organic amendments and fertilizer to be applied to soil. Amending soil in the spring can be difficult if rain has saturated clay soil. With soil preparation done in the fall, spring planting is less hurried.
Practice good sanitation by discarding diseased vegetation. Destroy infected leaves and debris to keep organisms and insects from over wintering and causing problems next season. Black spot and powdery mildew in roses can be controlled by removing diseased parts. Sanitation limits damage from disease as well as insects. Trim perennials that have finished blooming and straggly annuals to about four inches. Divide perennials if crowded or overgrown and relocatethem if they didn't grow well in the area in which they were planted.
Now is a good time to plant bulbs for early spring color. Annuals may be planted in the area after bulbs finish blooming.
Mulch strawberries and perennials to prevent hard frost heaving around their roots during winter and early spring warm up. Pansies can be planted in fall as they survive freezing temperatures and can bloom into December.
Gradually reduce the number of lawn waterings in early fall and soak deeply to winterize grass. Fall lawn care ensures a healthier lawn next season.
Pick up fruit drop and leaves. Leaves pack down with winter snows and prevent air circulation.
Rose bushes need to harden for winter and it is best to prune only damaged canes and old flowers now. Pruning too much causes late growth that can be damaged by winter. Mound roses with dirt and mulch late in fall to prevent winter kill. Remove the additional soil in the spring.
Gardening equipment should be cared for after yard work is completed. Clean shovels and other garden implements in a bucketful of sand mixed with vegetable oil. Sharpen shears and pruners and tighten loose handles. Clean the underside of lawn mowers to remove grass clippings. Your equipment will be ready to go next spring.
Plants we wish to transplant from the yard and bring inside before frost should be monitored and kept separate from other house plants. Mealy bugs, mites, gnats, or other insects on plants may be brought inside and could cause damage to regular house plants.
Efforts and work accomplished now will produce wonderful results next spring.
The author has received training through Colorado State University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program and is a Master Gardener volunteer for Larimer County.
Fact Sheets are available at the Larimer County Extension Office, 1525 Blue Spruce Drive, Fort Collins, Colorado or call (970) 498-6000 or contact us by e-mail at larimer@coop.ext.colostate.edu
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Gardener News Releases .