Fall Frenzy
What’s in the Garden:
Welcome to the golden days of autumn. There is still plenty to be done in the garden this month. Be sure to get it all done before the leaves fall!
Don’t panic. Just make a plan – and then get going.
Plant your spring-blooming bulbs NOW for beautiful color in 2017. We have a great selection of Daffodils, Tulips, Snowdrops, Hyacinths, Alliums, Crocuses, and so much more. Remember to add a bit of Bulb-tone as you plant your future flowers. This time-tested fertilizer will help ensure that your bulb garden will produce a spectacular display. (NOTE: Daffodils are animal resistant due to the toxic compound found in this plant’s leaves and flowers. Alliums are in the Onion family and are also deer resistant.) If you want to learn more about spring-flowering bulbs, please join us for our Bulb Seminar on Tuesday, October 11th at 7 p.m. More details can be found here.
Speaking of bulbs – edible ones, to be precise – this is the best time of the year to plant Garlic. Make sure your kitchen garden will be ready when you want to prepare a batch of garlic bread, pasta sauce, or whatever you like to make with this savory flavor enhancer.
Did you know you can extend the growing season, and coax more vegetables from your garden simply by covering certain crops with frost blankets on cold nights? Cold frames and high tunnels will also help you to produce fine edibles even when the chilly weather arrives.
If your vegetable garden is no longer producing fall crops, try sowing Winter Rye. This cover crop will produce “green manure” that you will be able to till into the garden next spring.
Remember your houseplants! If you brought some houseplants outside for the summer, keep in mind that you’ll have to bring them back inside before the outdoor temperatures drop too low. In general, tropical plants, including Bougainvillea, Lantana, Tropical Hibiscus, Begonias, and the tropical form of Plumbago, do NOT like cool nights. Spray your plants with a general insecticide before bringing them inside. We have organic insecticides we can recommend.
Is your pond ready for fall? This is the right time to add netting to your pond to keep the autumn leaves from wreaking havoc.
If you’ve held off on filling the bird feeders during the summer, it’s time to get back into the swing. October is prime sparrow time, and you won’t want to miss seeing the White-throated Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos that are returning to our area after spending the summer in the north. Who knows what other winter residents and passing migrants will stop by! Remember to include high-quality bird seed, suet, and some fresh water in your feeding setup. Visit our Birding Department where you will find Lyric Bird Seed, suet, and a host of feeders.
If you had hummingbird feeders out this summer, keep them going! This is the time you may see some vagrants.
Fall is an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials. Perennials such as Anemones, Asters, and Montauk Daisies are in bud and bloom now. We have some excellent sales now in progress. Take advantage of this opportunity to save as you build your landscape.
There is still time to seed the lawn as ground temperatures have remained fairly warm. Applying Seed Accelerator/Penn Mulch and/or salt hay will help keep your grass seed moist and warm and hasten germination. Of course, we have sod for those who want instant gratification.
Take a break and spend some time with us this weekend. Bring the kids to our nursery and horse farm. We are now featuring hayrides, pony rides, face painting, live music, and “Smokin’ Barbecued Ribs, Chicken, and Pulled Pork.”
We can’t wait to see you again!