Water, Water, Water

Fall is a great time to plant but there are things to consider when planting during this season.  I am sure you have heard that September was the driest on record and it appears that October might be the same. 

Plants need water, whether is is 90 degrees out or 50 degrees out, it is essential for them to take root, grow and survive.  A lot of people have had their sprinkler systems blown out for the fall (you never know when we will get a few inches of snow or the temperatures will dip below the 30′s) but that doesn’t mean you should stop watering.  Even shrubs, perennials, trees and evergreens you planted earlier in the year, need water.  It is good to continue to water your plants until we have a few hard freezes.  One inch per week on a slow drip is a good rule of thumb.  Keep in mind if you have just planted a shrub or perennial, you may want to water a few times a week since most of the soil is bone dry. 

Bulbs.  Bulbs can be planted even through a freeze or two.  Soil temperature doesn’t get as cold as the air temperature so you have plenty of time to get spring flowering bulbs in the ground now to enjoy next spring.  Make sure to water the bulbs when you plant and if you add fertilizer, I like to put the fertilizer in the bottom of the hole scatter some soil on top of the fertilizer and then plant the bulbs.  If you have pesky squirrels digging up your tulip bulbs plant a few daffodils with them and they should leave your bulbs alone.  They don’t like the taste of daffodils. 

Mums.  Most mums sold at your local garden center are just seasonal.  They are sold to give you a burst of fall color not as perennials.  Perennial mums are usually sold all season at your garden center, however most of us don’t really think about mums until fall.  Perennial mums can be planted in the fall but they are putting a lot of energy into flower production so it can be stressful on them.  It is a good idea to plan ahead and buy your perennial mums earlier in the season, so they can give you a show in the fall.

Decorating Contest.  Check out the Bloomington Crow’s Halloween Decorating Contest.  You could win a $50 gift card to Cobblestone Gardens & Market.