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Slide 16
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Here are some Late Summer and Early Fall Gardening Tips!

While spring is considered the traditional planting season for most people, late summer and early fall is also an excellent time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials, cool crop veggies and especially spring-flowering bulbs. Late summer and fall is also a perfect time to seed lawns.


Cool Crop Planting 

Van Bourgondien NurseryBefore sowing these second crops, turn over the soil and mix in some balanced organic fertilizer/soil conditioner such as Bumper Crop to replace what earlier plants have used up. Left-over debris like stems or roots from the first planting can cause problems in seed germination if they aren't removed or allowed to break down, so wait a week or two before seeding the second crop, or be sure to remove this material as completely as possible.

(If you are growing from seed especially). The next thing to consider is, how long does it take for the particular crop to mature? (This info can usually be found on the back of the seed packets). Some crops mature in 30 days ie. leafy crops such as lettuces, spinach, beans, kale, Swiss chard, peas, chives and even some herbs such basil, chives, oregano, parsley, thyme. Then there are the crops that mature in approximately 60 days such as early carrots, leeks, turnips and some varieties of cabbage. Finally the crops that mature in approximately 90 days that should be planted right about now such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower and various varieties of cabbage. These are only a few examples and as always there are always varying exceptions in all gardening.
Keep a record of what you planted and when as this will help you with future cool crop planting. 

TREES AND SHRUBS
Balled, bur-lapped and container-grown trees and shrubs can be planted in late summer and fall. Evergreens should be planted from mid-August through September. Planting during this period allows the evergreens to become established before the onset of winter. Deciduous trees and shrubs (those that drop their leaves in the fall) can be planted from August through early November. Trees and shrubs planted in late summer and fall should be watered really well to establish the root systems before winter and watering should be continued until the ground freezes.

PERENNIALS
Late summer and early fall is an excellent time to plant perennials. It is also a good time to move or divide perennials, such as peony, day-lily, garden phlox, and oriental poppy. Perennials planted in late summer and early fall should be mulched with 2 to 4 inches in late fall. Mulching helps prevent repeated freezing and thawing of the soil that can damage recently planted or transplanted perennials.

LAWNS
Home gardeners can begin seeding their lawns in mid-August. Late summer and early fall seeding has several advantages over spring seeding. The cool-season grass germinates quickly in the warm soil of late summer. The warm days and cool nights of early fall promote rapid grass growth and grass also has less competition from weeds as few weed seeds germinate in the fall. A new lawn can also be established by sodding. The best times to sod are spring and late summer/fall. Don't forget a good fall feeding strengthens your lawn and prepares it for the harsher days of winter!

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS WILL BE ARRIVING SOON
Fall is the time to plant tulips, daffodils, and other spring-flowering bulbs. We have found that planting bulbs in groups or clusters seem to achieve maximum visual impact in the spring. In this instant gratification world we live in we know it seems like a long time to wait for results, but rest assured you will be thrilled with the gorgeous flowers after a long cold winter. Spring-flowering bulbs can be planted as late as December if the ground remains unfrozen.

Late summer and early fall is time for gardeners to enjoy the fruits of their spring gardening labor but it is also time to plan and plant for the future!

Happy Gardening! 


 

 



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