Fall is the perfect time to dig-up overgrown bulbs, grasses and perennials to be divided and replanted.
After a hot, humid and challenging summer, I think we all will welcome cooler temperatures and hopefully lower humidity.
The Autumn Equinox will occur on Sept. 22 at 8:43 a.m.
I mention this because fall is the best time for planting, transplanting and gardening in general.
The many benefits of fall gardening include, a drop in the insect pest activity, air temperatures drop, but the soil stays warm from the summer sun for good root development.
Many common lawn and garden weeds slow down or disappear when fall arrives.
Because of fall’s cooler air temperature and predictable precipitation, plants are able to grow stronger with minimal stress.
With the additional rainfall, not only will plants have abundant moisture, and that moisture allows for more nutrients to be absorbed.
Continue preparing your amaryllis bulb to bloom for the holidays by cutting back the foliage too within a half- inch of the bulb and stand the pot upright. Do not water or move the pot for another four weeks.
You should also fertilize your indoor ferns now at a half-rate for the last time until February.
Now is the time to begin preparing any plants you have been summering outdoors or wish to dig up and bring inside for the winter. It is recommended to spray insecticidal soap on these plants in the shade, as not to burn the plant.
Do this once a week for three weeks, then bring the plants inside. If the plants need to be repotted, consider using earthworm castings. Use four parts of a good potting soil like Baccto or Espoma 100-percent organic, and one part earthworm castings.
This will not only provide some much needed fertilization and organic matter, but will also provide a natural insect repellent against many an insect pest, especially for fungal gnats.
Many plants are setting their buds for spring blooming now.
Many plants like azaleas, camellia, forsythia, lilac, rhododendron, spirea and viburnums, will set their buds within the next three weeks, so do not prune them. It is a good idea to check the pH and apply some organic matter like Leafgro or composted manure.
Blueberries will also be setting their buds for next summers fruiting.
Do not prune and it is extremely important to check soil pH, which should be between 4.5 and 5.3. Applying some organic matter will also benefit these plants.
Fall is the perfect time to dig-up overgrown bulbs, grasses and perennials to be divided and replanted.
I recommend using Espoma’s Biotone Plant Starter when replanting grasses and perennials, along with some organic matter such as Leafgro, composted manure or mushroom compost.
Flowering bulbs for replanting should have a tablespoon of bonemeal in the hole when replanting.
Putting some organic matter on top will also benefit. Apply mulch to conserve water, keep the weeds down and protect the roots from winter heaving from freezing and thawing.
Begin to bag-up the grass clippings later this month when the soil temperatures drop below 53 degrees. The microorganisms that break down the grass clippings start to go dormant, and the result leads to thatch.
Thatch invites overwintering insects and diseases. It also prevents fall applications of lime and fertilizers from coming in contact with the soil and being as effective.
If you plan to overseed or reseed grass, having little to no thatch is very important. Consider aerating if you have not done so in the past year.
This will allow for better fertilizer and lime absorption as well. Be sure to adjust the pH which needs to be between 5.5 and 6.5.
You may also want to consider spraying the lawn for weeds with Bonide’s Weed Beater Ultra, which kills more than 200 lawn weeds and will not harm the grass.
If you have nut sedge weeds, consider spraying a herbicide like Sedge Ender by Bonide to kill the weed, but not the grass.
Keeping the blades of your mower sharp, will also help not to pull the grass and will give you a more finished, uniform look.
Mature pines and spruce trees will soon be exhibiting browning of the inner needles. These are 3- or 4-year old needles and are discarded by the tree right around the fall equinox.
There is no need to spray as this is not a disease or insect problem. New needles will begin to appear next spring.
Enjoy the last few weeks of summer and and be sure to welcome fall by watching a beautiful Eastern Shore sunset.
(Editor’s Note: Ken Morgan is the owner of Robin’s Nest Floral and Garden Center in Easton, Md.)
