GreenPiece

The Last Days of Autumn

October 23, 2002

Well, there are only a few day of nice weather left before the snow falls and our gardens are covered for the winter. Time to get out and garden while you still can.

Fall is clean-up time, so here are a few things to remember on your to do list.

Cut out, rake up, and prune off any diseased foliage, stems, or branches. The most important thing is that you remove these diseased plant parts from your property. Many of the fungus, especially foliar spots, will live of the plant material over the winter and then re-infect your flowers and trees in the spring. Maple tar spot, and black spot of rose are two common examples. If your compost pile reliable gets above 140 degrees, hot enough to kill the pathogen, feel free to add it to your pile. If not you can take it to the local landfill, where they can compost it for you.

Winter is the best time to prune many trees and shrubs, so have your saws sharpened and ready to go. If you're not sure you will be able to identify which branches you want to remove with the foliage off, mark the limbs with flagging or paint. If you have large tree that needs some pruning, don't risk it, hire a professional.

Many perennials have stiff flower stalks. These flower stalks can provide roosts, habitats, and potentially food for birds and mammals during the winter. If you don't mind how your garden looks leave them standing. This will also help trap snow in you garden, which will insulate perennials, and add moisture in the spring. Any soft leaved perennials, such as hosta and primrose can be cut as soon as the foliage wilts. Wait as long as possible to do your trimming as the longer the plant has to grow, the more carbohydrates it will be able to store.

Ornamental grasses are usually meant to stand all winter long, but be sure as you see new blades emerging in the spring that the old is cut out to allow for the new growth.

Once the frost as nipped your annuals and vegetables, clear them out or till them in. Fall is a great time to till in general, leaving you with one less thing to do in the spring. You can also mix in compost, leaves or fertilizer (low/non-nitrogen) now. Tilling the beds before winter will also help control insects and disease by exposing them to the cold and letting them freeze. Once tilled beds have gone through a hard frost, cover them with mulch or compost to protect them from compaction and erosion. Cover crops can also be planted and then tilled in 3-4 weeks before you plant your summer flowers and vegetables.

Fall is also a good time to clean up your garden shed and equipment. Set up everything as you want it for spring. Also, don't forget to empty any bird bath and irrigation lines that could crack when the water freezes.

The best thing you can do to help your perennials and trees prepare for winter is to make sure they are thoroughly watered. Water is not only used by the plant, but causes the soil to expand around the root system; filling in air pockets they could bring the cold air down and freeze the roots. This principle can also be used on your home, when the soil dries out it pulls away from the foundation of your home, creating a gap where cold air can enter. To help insulate your home, water the soil around your house until the ground freezes.

Once you have all that done- get out your catalogues and start dreaming of spring.

If you have any questions you would like to be answered by GreenPiece, please contact Rebecca Hargrave at 99 N. Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815, or call 607-334-5841.