Woodside Square Condominium

Fall Planting

Oct 19, 2001

Fall Planting
by Annie Norgaard

Fall is the best time of the year to make over a flower bed.
Typically, spring is suggested for most makeovers, but many factors favor the fall. First, weather is more stable in the fall and then there is the fact that any desired changes are fresher in mind just at the close of a growing season. Planting in September or October allows plants to grow new roots before they go dormant during the winter.

Fall is the best time of the year to plant:
?· Roses ?– October
q Cut the thick roots 6 inches back from the tips and cut off damaged ones.
q Spread the roots to the fullest extent in an amply large hole and make the soil firm as the hole is filled. Set the roses two to two-and-a-half feet apart.

?· Lilies ?– Early fall
q Turn the ground deeply and add compost before the bulbs are planted.

?· Tulips ?– Mid-October through early November
q Plant the bulb 9-12 inches deep to avoid freezing, depending on their size. The larger the bulb the deeper the planting.

?· Evergreens- Early fall
Evergreens keep their leaves all year and constantly give off water. However, they give off more water during warmer periods.

?· Grass seeds- Fall
The warm days of fall are sufficient to sprout grass seeds, but not hot enough to sprout the seeds of many varieties of weeds.
q Once the grass seed is germinated and established in the fall, the grass toughens and develops a sturdy root system. A good thick turf can hold its own
against weeds.
q Cover the seed with straw to prevent washing off soil and to keep the soil moist.

Fall is also the best time to apply sulfur, aluminum or limestone to your soil.
First test your soil to determine what it needs.

Soil pH is determined on a scale of 1 to 14, 7 being neutral. With numbers below 7, the soil is
considered acidic, and above 7 it is considered alkaline. Most garden plants prefer a slightly acidic soil, usually between 6.0 and 7.0.

v Sulfur or aluminum sulfate is applied to lower the pH level of your garden?’s soil.
v Ground limestone is added to raise the pH level.

q Apply before planting your crops.
Call your county Cooperative Extension Service for details on how and where to submit soil samples.