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FeedSeptember 2007 Garden Tips
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
• Plant chrysanthemums, pansies, asters, crocus, colchicum and Madonna lilies and flowering kale for fall color.• Now is the time to plant fall-blooming crocus, colchicum and Madonna lilies.
• Now is the best time to seed new grass, patch the lawn’s bare spots, and install sod. There isn’t as much competition with weed seeds at this time of year. Be sure to finish before September 15.
• Apply weed-killer and fertilizer for lawn care, but not to newly seeded areas. Apply your first fall application of fertilizer in mid-
September and follow with another application about six weeks later. Use a fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen and high in potassium.
• Take advantage of cool weather by planting trees, shrubs, and evergreens; use root-stimulating fertilizer to promote root growth.
• Plant perennials, or divide and replant existing perennials such as peonies and irises. Fall installation gives plants time to develop a strong root system. Most perennials flower in the spring; if planted then, they may not bloom the first year.
• Spring bulbs can be purchased now at garden centers and nurseries. Always check the bulbs for signs of disease and damage such as cuts and bruises. Planting time for bulbs in northern climates is mid-September to mid-October, but tulips can be planted even later as long as you can work the soil. Work bone meal into bottom of planting holes for better growth.
• Split and replant overgrown bulbs. Dig up the bulb after the foliage has died and allow it to dry thoroughly. After drying, bulbs can be split and replanted.
• Make sure newly planted perennials, trees and shrubs receive plenty of water. But don’t fertilize them until next spring.
• Bugged by boxelder bugs? This is the time when adult bugs leave their trees to look for a place to winter, and you may find masses of them covering your siding and windows. Though unsightly, they’re not harmful. Just wash them off and sweep them away or use an insecticidal soap.
• Get prepared for falling leaves by having a pond net ready. Pond netting is temporarily draped over the pond when leaves are falling to keep them from landing in the water, while continuing to allow sunlight, ventilation, and moisture through.
• Stop fertilizing your hardy water lilies in September, as you want to let them naturally go dormant as the weather begins to cool. This will increase their chance for survival through the winter months ahead.
• Start planning now for that water garden expansion or new pond. The cooler temperatures in fall provide a great time to begin this project.
• If you are thinking about a big landscaping job next year, now is the time to take some photographs of your yard so you can start planning over the winter.
• Check parsley, cumin, dill and fennel seeds. They should be dry enough now to harvest.
• Gather fallen leaves for mulch and compost use.
Resources
Bachman’s, Inc.612-861-7662
Noble Landscape & Garden Center
763-862-7218
Vermillion Waters
651-480-1986
Villa Landscapes
Burnsville • 952-894-1553
Maple Grove • 763-425-9277
Oakdale • 651-773-7440
Minnesota Nursery &
Landscape Association
www.gardenminnesota.com
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