Fall Gardening Checklist

September

Water plants less as temperatures start to dwindle.

Pick herbs to freeze and/or dry.

Cover water features with netting to collect falling leaves.

Bring summer houseplants back indoors for the cooler months.

Plant trees and shrubs.

Keep planted trees and shrubs well-watered after planting.

Plan your spring bulb garden.

Prepare soil beds and plant Spring-flowering bulbs.

Clean bird feeders.

Put tools, hoses, and portable sprinkler systems in storage.

One last weeding will help to improve the appearance of your garden.

Fertilize your lawn.

Reap the harvest of the vegetables and herbs still in your garden - preserve, puree, can or freeze.

October

Transplant shrubs or young trees to new locations.

Cut back flowers that have stopped blooming and/or stop deadheading seed heads early Fall.

Prune any diseased or stressed tree/shrub limbs.

Rake and compost any fallen leaves, friut and dried brush.

Remove dead annuals from the garden.

Continue watering trees and shrubs until the ground freezes.

Dispose of any diseased or infested plant debris to avoid re-entry of the problem in the Spring.

Take cuttings, if desired, to winter indoors.

Outside, spray all plants gently with water to dislodge any unwanted pests.

November

Divide perennials and transplant newly divided bulbs.

Mulch rose bushes.

Clean fallen leaves in downspouts and gutters.

Burlap wrap any plants that would benefit before heavy frosts begin.

Assess which plants and shrubs have done well in your gardens and which have not.

Watch for frost warnings; protect/cover plants and vegetables as needed.