Fall is the best the time of the year to get your garden prepared for Spring and to head off common garden problems. The cooler temperatures also make it more pleasant to work outside.
1.Get your soil tested and apply recommended amendments now for a jump on Spring. The soil test will tell you how much lime and fertilizer to use. Wait until April to fertilize lawns, shrubs, and trees.
2. Fall is the best time to plant perennials, shrubs, and trees. Select shrubs and trees with smooth tight bark. Dig planting holes at least two to five times wider than the root ball. Never plant any deeper than they originally grew. Break up or cut compacted root balls before planting. Planting in the fall gives the plants a chance for the roots to grow and get established.
3. Plant trees and shrubs about 6 weeks before the last expected Frost. If Fall rains are scarce, keep plants, shrubs and tree watered by hand.
4. Plant spring-flowering bulbs and fertilize existing bulb plantings in November and December for a great Spring show.
5. Plant pansies and snapdragons between October 15 and November 15 for best results. Prepare soil well by adding organic matter, lime and fertilizer as needed before planting. Use a controlled release fertilizer or fertilize monthly. Pansies and snapdragons can be planted later but will not grow as quickly earlier planted plants.
6. Remove and discard fallen leaves, dead and diseased branches, plants and old vegetables and fruits to reduce the chance of diseases or insects over wintering in the home garden.
7. Cut perennials down to within several inches of the ground and if they are diseased dispose them in the garbage rather than the compost pile.
8. Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early October. This help to prevent weedy lawns next Spring. Do not use herbicides on lawns less than one year old. Follow all label directions. Contact the Paulding Extension office or see the label to see which weeds each on will control.
9. Shred fallen leaves and spread the over flowers beds and they can also be added to compost piles. Turn the compost piles.
10. “He who fails to plan, plans to fail”. Planning prevents many plant problems. Look for recommendation on what to plant, where to plant and how to care for it our Master Gardener page on the Paulding County extension website: https://www.county.ces.uga.edu/Paulding. Look under the publications link.
The author of this article, Rachel Dutton, is a Paulding County Master Gardener Extension Volunteer. Master Gardener Extension Volunteers are trained to provide education for homeowners on horticulture, sustainable landscaping, and environmentally friendly gardening practices using unbiased, research-based information from the University of Georgia. For more information, contact University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in Paulding County to speak with a Master Gardener or County Extension Agent at 770-443-7616 or view our online resources at www.ugaextension.org/paulding.
