Is it autumn or fall? It doesn’t matter because this is a great time to plant that shrub, tree, perennial or bulb you’ve been thinking about throughout the heat of summer. Check out the sales at local garden nurseries – they’ll be clearing out space for new stock and discounting the old inventory just for you. There are just a few key tips to remember when it comes to fall planting. So, here goes…
- Soil Prep – Don’t skip this step. Deep digging and soil enriched with organic matter (that’s compost and manure in case you didn’t know) should set the stage for new plants. But skip the fertilizer.
- Water Words – Cooler temps will reduce water needs after the first deep watering, but if Mother Nature doesn’t rain on it, give the plant a good drink about once a week.
- Mulch is Marvelous – Top the dressing around the base of the plant with something nice and organic like chopped leaves or pine straw, and get the added benefit of decay. Yes, breakdown of the mulch helps make good tilth (small word for the feel of the organic-rich soil in your hands). It’s okay to get your hands a little dirty because you will wash them before you eat, right?
- Growth is Unseen – Yikes! The leaves are falling, but underground, the plant’s energy is going mostly to the roots before the ground freezes. The plant is getting “established” in its new home.
- Oh, and don’t forget to put in the spring bulbs, too. Rewards come for those who wait for the return of spring.
Important Note: Dominion Virginia Power wants customers to be safe. To avoid injuries and service disruptions from underground utility lines, remember “CARE”:
Call Miss Utility at 811 before you dig.
Allow time for marking.
Respect and protect the marks.
Excavate carefully.
One more thought about the autumn/fall season: Cooler weather means fewer weeds. Yeah! Enjoy!
This article was written by Jerry Hoddinott from the City of Chesapeake Department of Public Utilities.