| Issue #30, October 20, 2006 |
The Garden At Rock Cottage by Lance Brilliantine
Time for Bed
October is harvest time. And, this has been a fruitful, though wet, gardening season that has produced significant bounty. For me, late fall is also a somber time as another growing season passes away (I realize I may have another 30 or so to experience, if I am lucky). I love the changing landscape at this time of year and consider myself privileged in a world where so many are burdened with mere existence.
While I dream of warm, tropical climates that are perpetually green, I probably prefer this temperate climate with its more dramatic changes in season. We have been lucky on the East End of Long Island this year; warm daytime temperatures, lots of sun, and continuing, lush garden green and flowers that signal Indian Summer. But the evidence of late fall, I am suddenly aware of the growth in the deer population. They are everywhere!
Now is an important time for gardeners. Some planning for spring and tidying-up of the garden now will pay off next growing season.
October is the last opportunity to complete fall plantings. You can plant just about any type of tree or shrub at this time of year because the warmer soil still promotes root growth. Above ground temperatures are cooling considerably and this will also help soil retain moisture – which reduces the need for watering. This combination actually helps give plants a jump start for next spring. Just be sure that newly planted trees and shrubs have plenty of mulch to help them over winter once a hard freeze sets in.
Now is an important time for garden cleanup. There is plenty to do. Yes, it is a lot of work and some rest from the workweek is in order, however, think how great it will be when it is all completed, and of the effects next season. Best of all, garden chores need not be done all in one weekend. A little bit each weekend over the course of the next few weeks will prepare most gardens for the upcoming change to winter.
While it is a good idea to stop fertilizing at this time of year (you don’t want to promote new growth) use of a winterizing fertilizer around hardy and valued plants is a good practice. These winterizing fertilizers are high in potash – which helps strengthen winter hardiness in most plants. Generally, do not fertilize after October 31st.
I recommend a last spraying of fungicide on roses and other plants that are susceptible to fungal infection. This carries plants through the winter and helps reduce the incidence of disease in plants. You may also want to consider adding some shredded newspaper to winter mulch. Not only does the newspaper provide winter insulation, it is biodegradable and enriches the soil as it decomposes over the winter. The ink in newspaper is slightly insecticidal and, as the newspaper rots, it helps destroy some types of insect pests.
In addition, there are some good rules of thumb for putting gardens to bed at this time of year. I suggest cleaning up old wood, rocks, bricks, and unused pots and planters. If you have not used them this season, clean house and plan something new next year. A minimalist winter landscape, free of clutter, provides a wonderful effect and may spark greater creativity next spring. Removal of annuals and deadheading of perennials that are finished for this season will rid the garden of a variety of pests that lay their eggs on plant debris. Hold off on winter pruning until after the first hard freeze.
As leaves and needles fall, clean them up, especially on lawns, and replace them with a fresh layer of mulch. A light layering of cow manure this fall will help add nutrients over winter and in spring. Because it takes time for cow manure to decompose, it will not provide the immediate boost of fertilizers, but provide ample vigor come springtime.
October is a very good time to renovate lawns. Use an aerator to improve drainage and allow air, water, and nutrients down to the root zone. Use a thatching machine to lift old thatch out of the lawn and provide grass plants room to grow. Thatching and aerating also reduces the habitat for fungus. Of course, a dusting of lime at this time of year will help to sweeten and freshen acidic soils.
Taking a few steps now to put gardens to bed is critical for next year’s success. October’s cool weather can invigorate activity, and also keeps us outside to relish that last bit of sunny weather before the onslaught of winter.
You can contact Lance Brilliantine with any questions or comments at GardenLance@yahoo.com.
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