Prepare for fall in the lawn and garden

OPINION

In raking and disposing of leaves, mulch leaves by running the lawn mower over them and leaving the shredded leaves and grass in the lawn. - Submitted photo
In raking and disposing of leaves, mulch leaves by running the lawn mower over them and leaving the shredded leaves and grass in the lawn. - Submitted photo

Even though the weather is cooler this month, don't forget to water an inch of water per week if natural rainfall doesn't occur. It is especially important around trees and shrubs that were planted this year. Empty excess water from unused hoses before storing. Water expands as it freezes and can burst hoses. Remove hoses from outside nozzles to prevent freezing, but keep your hose handy for winter watering in those dry, protected spots.

A preemergent can be applied at this time to help prevent winter weeds from germinating in the lawn. These would include spurweed, chickweed, henbit, dead nettle, and annual bluegrass (Poa annua).

Planting trees and shrubs in the fall is ideal. Our ground temperature is still warm, so roots will begin to get established quickly. Rarely does our soil ever freeze solid, so the plants will continue to produce roots, even though the tops aren't growing. If you have been needing to move some established plants around in the landscape, fall is the time to do so. Transplant deciduous plants after the leaves have dropped and evergreen plants can be transplanted after the first hard freeze.

In raking and disposing of leaves, mulch leaves by running the lawn mower over them and leaving the shredded leaves and grass in the lawn. This also adds needed nutrients back to your lawn minimizing the need of added fertilizers. Starting a compost bin is also a great option. If you don't have good directions on composting, call or come by the Garland County Cooperative Extension Service office and we will be glad to give you a composting fact sheet.

Don't prune roses now. Fall pruning will encourage winter die back. Mulch roses up past graft union for winter protection. Don't severely prune shrubs now because this will encourage rapid regrowth, and the new growth won't have time to harden off before cold weather arrives.

Some people have noticed fallen twigs from pecan and hickory trees. These twigs are no more than a half inch through and appear to have been cut off. This is damage done by an insect called twig-girdler. This beetle lays its eggs on the twig and cuts it off. This damage is more spectacular than damaging to the tree. The only control recommended is to pick up the twigs and then destroy them thus destroying their eggs.

Spring flowering bulbs need to be planted by early December. Later planted bulbs run the risk of not getting enough chilling hours to bloom properly, especially if we have a mild winter. As a general rule, bulbs should be planted three times deeper than the diameter of the bulb. Plant spring bulbs, including tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, Siberian squill, bulbous irises, Anemone and crocus. Select healthy, disease-free bulbs. Add bone meal or bulb fertilizer into the planting hole, as you prepare the soil.

Clean up around your perennial plants. Any leaves that have fallen can harbor insects and diseases for next year. Scatter dry seed heads or store the seeds for later use. Cut back any plants that have lost most of their leaves or that look bad now. Divide and transplant any perennials that typically bloom in the spring or summer. Plant new perennials. They too will get well established during the fall, winter and early spring. Fall planting can also give you blooms the first season after planting.

If you are interested in obtaining more information on horticulture issues in general, perhaps you might be an excellent candidate to become a Master Gardener. Our training will take place in January and February. We are currently taking applications right now. You may obtain an application by visiting our office at 236 Woodbine, filling it out, and bringing or sending it to our office before the end of November. You can also call the extension office at 501-623-6841 and request that an application be sent to you.

4-H information

There are several 4-H Clubs for Garland County youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities available, call Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension office, 501-623-6841, or email [email protected].

Master Gardener information

Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. They're open to the public and guests are welcome. For more information call Luke Duffle at 623-6841 or email him at [email protected].

EHC information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information about EHC, call Alison Crane at 501-623-6841 or email [email protected].

  photo  Luke Duffle - Submitted photo
 
 

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