The weather has turned cool. An October chill is in the air. You might think that it’s time to put away the garden tools for the season. But fall is actually a perfect time to garden.
When the first frost hits, many gardeners throw in the seasonal towel. But as long as you don’t have a hard killing frost, you can still get mileage from your garden. There are a number of flowers that continue to bloom in these colder months. And there are a lot of gardening chores that can be done now that it’s cooler.
What is still blooming…
When October rolls around you can still find some flowers in bloom. Most can’t be planted now, but if you plan ahead you can fill your garden with plants that enjoy the cooler temperatures. Here are some fall favorites to enjoy:
- Asters
- Chrysanthemums
- Autumn Joy Sedum
- Zinnias
- Cosmos
- Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susans)
- Coreopsis
- Nastursiums
- Pansies
- Verbenia
- Sweet Autumn Clematis
- Marigolds
What to focus on in your garden…
Fall is a great time to think ahead to your spring garden. There are many plants that can go in the ground now, to get a head start on the growing season for next year. Here are four types of plants that can be planted during this time.
Spring Blooming Bulbs
If you want to expand or move your spring blooming bulbs, then now is the time to take action. Fall is the best time to plant these bulbs. This gives them a chance to set some roots, before the cold winter weather stops their growth. You might consider planting:
- Crocus
- Grape Hyacinths
- Hyacinths
- Daffodils
- Tulips
- Alliums
- Siberian Squill
You should still be able to find many of these bulbs at your local garden center. It’s best to plant them about 6 weeks before your first hard frost. You can also plant these bulbs in containers. Just move the pots to a protected area once the temperatures get really cold. Put them in a cool garden shed, storage area or cold frame to minimize damage to their roots.
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Flowers To Plant
There are still a few flowers you can plant in your late autumn garden. Pansies, violas, ornamental cabbages and kale can be added into your container gardens and flower beds. If you find the autumn flower at your local garden center, it’s usually safe to plant in the fall. So pick up a few cool-season plants and tuck them into areas that could use a burst of color.
Plant Trees and Shrubs
Fall is one of the best times to get new trees and shrubs planted. Planting now gives their roots a chance to begin growing. And they won’t be as stressed as they will be in spring when moving into the hot summer. This is also a good time to divide your perennial plants such as peonies, dayliles and hostas. After planting new shrubs and trees, focus on providing adequate water to help the roots get established. Consider adding a layer of mulch to the base of the plant to help protect it during the winter to come.
Cool Season Vegetables
Autumn is a good time to add a few late season vegetables into your garden. This is a perfect time to plant garlic, onion sets and quick growing greens such as spinach.The garlic and onions will over-winter and then take off quickly next spring. But the greens can be enjoyed during the last few weeks of the growing season before a hard frost hits.
Other Fall Activities in the Garden…
There are many other things to enjoy in your autumn garden. Even if you don’t need to add in new shrubs or bulbs, there are still plenty of reasons to get out into the garden. Here are some ideas for enjoying this cool, crisp season.
Harvest Dried Flowers and Stems
Time to harvest dried florals from your garden to use in decorations, wreaths and bouquets. If you have hydrangeas, the flowers should be dried and ready to cut. The colors range from green to rose and even deep burgundy. Use them to make an autumn wreath for your porch. Tuck these flowers into your autumn displays. Make a hydrangea garland to hang from your mantle. You can find so many ways to use these lovely dried flowers.
Look for other dried materials in your garden that you can use in your displays. Seed pods, grasses, cones, nuts and branches can be used to decorate with. Mix them into your floral bouquets or just set them out on a table for autumn interest. You can also use these natural materials to make seasonal crafts such as gift tags.
Changes to Your Garden Structure
Now is a good time to work on any changes you want to make to your outdoor garden areas. Do you need a new fence or arbor? Is your deck in need of repair? With the cooler weather, these chores are easier to do. As garden plants start to die back it’s also easier to work around your plants. If you’ve been planning a new walkway, patio or deck, now is a great time to create the design and get started.
Just Enjoy The Season
You’ve worked hard all spring and summer so now is the time to slow down and just enjoy the autumn season. Even though the weather is cooler you could still host a backyard bbq or an evening sitting around the firepit. These activities can be so relaxing when you have less to do to “get your garden ready”. Just plug in your outdoor lights, crank up the fire and grab plenty of blankets. Create a signature cocktail or grab the smore supplies and you have an autumn party.
Autumn can be one of the best times in your garden. Don’t throw in the towel too early. Nurture your yard and garden to make the most of this slow down and use the gardening time to create that haven you crave.