FALL GARDENING CHECKLIST

Submitted by Don Cook, KC Master Gardener 2005

Fall Gardening Checklist*

For Lawns

(The best window for seeding is mid-September, since a lawn takes about six weeks to establish, and it is best to have a new lawn growth rooted before trees shed leaves.)

• De-thatch, aerate and over-seed
• Use fertilizer with a high phosphorus and potash content
• Test soil
• Apply lime

For Shrubs

• Summer flowering shrubs and evergreen shrubs should be trimmed by this time. (These plants need to start hardening for winter, so do not trim again until they are dormant.)
• Apply fall fertilizer at half the rate of spring applications
• Make one final application of systemic insecticide to plants prone to spider mites and lace bugs, such as Dwarf Alberta Spruce and Azalea
• While temperatures are still over 40 degrees, an anti-transpirant can be beneficial   to broad-leafed evergreens such as Azalea, Rhododendron, and Holly

Roses

• Provide a final application of rose food, allowing plants to harden for winter
• When plants go dormant (around Thanksgiving), trim the canes back to knee level
• Clean up all debris and apply lime sulphur to kill fungal spores.
• Mound mulch over the center of each plant for winter kill protection

Perennials

• Cut herbaceous perennials to the ground and remove all dead foliage
• Allow ornamental grasses to remain intact for winter structure/color
• (Trim these in March at the start of new growth)
• Divide over-grown perennials and replant to establish before ground freezes

Bulbs and Fall Annuals

• Now through the end of October are ideal times to plant spring flowering bulbs. (Interplant with Pansies for winter long interest and a colorful spring display)
• Plant other fall annuals such as ornamental cabbage or kale, Swiss chard and garden mums

* Credit to Valley Gardens for providing this information