Fall To Do list

I sometimes assume that we have all been gardening for years.  But I should
try to remember that some of us are new to gardening.  So here goes:  Fall is
a busy time of the gardener, dividing and planting perennials, lifting and
storing summer bulbs (such as dahlias, begonias, canna, callalily, caladium,
gladiolus and elephant ears) that cannot be left in the ground over winter,
planting spring bulbs, bringing in house plants, and repairing the lawn.
Flowering bulbs are a welcome sight in the spring.  Plant spring flowering
bulbs in loose, porous soil with good drainage.  Place bulb booster or similar
fertilizer in the bottom of the hole.  Even though bone meal is recommended it
is not my first choice because it attracts critters.  Do not plant bulbs too
deep find recommended depth from local garden center.  A general rule is
divide spring blooming perennials in the fall.  Divide fall blooming
perennials in the spring.  Mid summer bloomers can be divided either season.
Mulch once the ground freezes.   When storing summer bulbs use a spading fork
to life the bulbs.  Try to prevent bruising which could lead to disease during
storage.  Remove soil from the bulb and dry thoroughly to prevent winter rot.
Store in cool dry spot.  Gladiolus corms should be dug with the stalk attached
and then cut one inch from the corm.  Dry in the sun and place in a well
ventilated area for two weeks before storing.  Dahlia stems should be cut back
four inches before digging, washed and then dried for two days.  Store Dahlia
bulbs in dry peat moss, sawdust, perlite or sand in brown paper bags.  Check
dahlia bulbs periodically for any evidence of disease or insects.  Remove
diseased bulbs in order to keep the remaining bulbs healthy.  House plants
which have enjoyed a summer outside need to be brought in before a frost
occurs.  thoroughly wash and inspect them for insects and disease.  Spray with
insecticidal soap or other chemicals, even if there is no sign of infestation.
Gradually make the transition to the lower indoor light by moving it first to
a porch, sun room or brightly lit garage for a short period of time.  Many
plants will still develop some yellow leaves and drop them before they adjust.
Fall is the idea time to renovate the lawn.  If possible, have a soil test
done and make adjustments accordingly.  Fertilize, lime, and reseed.  When
reseeding remove weeds, loosen the soil.  Seed should be applied evenly over
the area with enough seeds to  provide 15-25 seeds per square inch.  After
seeding, rake lightly to work the seeds into the soil to a depth of 1/4 inch
and water lightly 2-3 times a day to keep the soil moist.  Seeding should be
done early enough to allow the grass to become established before the cold
weather sets.  It is probably a little too late now.  Be sure grass is cut
short and most importantly, keep the leaves, pine needles off the lawn.  Rake
periodically rather than waiting until all the leaves have fallen.  When a
killing frost blackens the foliage of annuals, it is time to put the gardens
to bed for the winter.  Collect seed heads and cuttings of prize annuals and
root indoors for the next season.  Enjoy your fall gardening and keep in mind,
spring will come!  Chris Braintree, MA z6

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