Back to Info Sheets	Fall Gardening What can I do this fall ?    It's a common question when we get such wonderful days in the autumn months.   September and the kids go back to school.  It is not the end of the garden but rather just the middle.   There is a lot of enjoyment to get from your garden at this time of the year.  The cooler days of autumn are more comfortable for working.  Less insects and flies make enjoying the outdoors easier.  With the right plants there are still flowers in the garden and the foliage colours can be brilliant.  There are also many tasks which can be completed in fall to make next spring that much easier. Lawn care: * Cooler weather means less mowing now, this leaves more time to enjoy the garden and pay attention to other areas of the garden.  Fall mowing should clip the grass to a 2-2.5" height.  This leaves sufficient top growth and allows for good air circulation around the roots.  You don't want the grass to be too long to compact in winter and smother the roots. * Fertilize the lawn with a good fall fertilizer in September.   Leave time enough for the warm weather to allow the grass to absorb the fertilizer.  An high phosphorus and potassium fertilizer will encourage root development and thus, better winter survival.  Do not use the regular summer fertilizer as that will encourage too much top growth.  * Now is the time to lime and adjust the pH in the soil .  The best method is too have a soil test done by the Agriculture Farm or use the rule of thumb of 10lbs per 100 sq/ ft per year.   One half (or 5 lbs) can be applied in the spring and half again in the fall.   * If moss is a problem in your lawn add moss killer in fall to reduce the spread of moss throughout the winter.   Moss can continue to grow in our cool wet fall and winter months even when the temperature is 2OC.  Dead moss should be raked up and composted. * Weed control is a good idea in early fall when the weather is still warm.  Reduce the spread of perennial plants such as dandelions with a herbicide treatment. Spot treating now will reduce the need for treatment of the entire area next spring, thus reducing your chemical use. * Dead areas can be patched with sod or seeded now with a good seed mix. * Topdress the whole lawn with a thin layer of fine topsoil or compost.  Rake in and overseed with a good seed mix.  The added soil each year will thicken the soil layer and strengthen the root system.  This will reduce the stress to grass during drought and chinch bug attacks.  Adding seed will fill any bare patches you may have left and the taller grass now will discourage the birds from eating it all.  Do not add too much soil, a ½ inch is enough, too much will smother the grass.   Plant new trees and shrubs.    *   There is still time to plant trees and shrubs. Cool days in fall with the soil still warm is great for getting plants to establish without having to worry as much about watering.  Remember to stake plants well so they do not rock in wind and snow during the winter.  Water well until the ground freezes.  Don't forget to add bonemeal or root fertilizer to encourage faster rooting when planting.    * It is a great time to transplant perennials.  Cool days and warm soil is great for the perennials as well.  You can divide many of your perennials now and plant them in new locations for next year.  It is easier to see where the perennials are now and the size of the plant is obvious.  It is often harder in spring to find some plants and remembering how big they grow is another thing!  Add some bonemeal and water in well.  If frost lifts the root ball over the winter, don't worry, just plant back in.  Don't push the root ball into the ground or you might break off the new roots.  Dig underneath and plant the root ball in deeper.    * Plant fall bulbs for great spring colour !  Now is the time to plant bulbs such as hyacinths, daffodils, crocus and more.  Check out the selection in the Garden Centre.   Winterize your garden.   * Winterizing of trees, shrubs, and ponds should be done before the snow flies.  Newly planted shrubs often benefit from a cover or some protection from our strong winds.  If you use burlap to wrap your shrubs remember that the burlap should not touch the plant!  Build a frame of wood to attach the burlap to and filter the wind this way. Evergreens can be treated with antidesiccant to help prevent wind burn.  Perennials and bulbs can be mulched for the winter to protect the root balls.  Of course the best blanket to protect perennials and bulbs is a gentle drift of snow.  This insulates the roots and crown the best!
© Murray's Garden and Horticultural Services Last updated: Sept 23, 2002