As the fall season wanders down the autumn path there are still a few things we as gardeners should be doing and checking off our “to do” list. I always say that what we can do now will be something less we have to do in the busy time of spring.
Hope all is going well in your backyard. I just finished harvesting my potatoes, and winter squash. Mulched in the remaining Nantes (my very favorite) carrots and tasty beets. I have to say that I was real impressed with the money I saved since I installed drip in almost my entire garden. I am also proud of the fact that I was able to dry a lot of my fresh herbs for winter use…. Ahhhh the tasty stews and soups I will be able to make…… I also have fired up my age old sourdough for tasty bisquets this winter season……. That said lets take a look at some of the things on our garden lister……
If you have not yet got your garlic, shallots, and winter onions planted….. Time is wasting
A GREAT way to reduce weed growth in your empty beds this winter is to apply an application of Cold Climate organic fertilizer then spread at least 3”-6” of good organic weed free compost over the entire beds…. WOW…. You will be impressed next spring.
As the leaves fall from your fruit trees make sure to apply “dormant” oil and Lime Sulfur or Copper spray. You may also spray your roses, cane berries, plus any other ornamentals that seem to suffer perennial insect and or disease problems
Apply Fertilome “Systemic Tree and Shrub Drench” around Birch, Aspen, Snowball Bush, Alberta Spruce, Lupine, or any other “non-edible” trees, shrubs, and perennials to help protect against borer/insect damage in the year 2011. This process is working very well for a lot of folks and has most certainly been credited for saving a lot of our areas White Birch trees for almost certain death.
Pruning of most evergreen shrubs and trees can commence at this time of the year. Save some of the branches for holiday decorating…. You might even try making a wonderful “Garden Wreath” for your door as well as some special friend or relative…… Happy clipping
Make sure to store all liquid garden and landscape products to ensure against freeze damage… Lock them up to spare younger hands from getting into them!!!!! Even granular and dust type products should be stored to protect against moisture damage. In future purchases try to buy small amounts so as to use them up during the season….. May be a little more cost per application but storage will be eliminated and quality of product will prevail.
Remove all hoses from hose bibs and drain. Keep handy in case of fire or dry winter watering for plants under eves and dense evergreens.
Make sure to have a bird bath out to encourage the wild birds to stay in your backyard. These little feathered friends are not only fun to watch during the winter months but they will help control insects and reduce your spraying.
Clean all garden tools and spray with “Pam”. Treat wood handles with linseed oil. Drain or treat all gas powered equipment to help maintain your investments.
Side-dress asparagus and rhubarb with “Cold Climate” organic fertilizer, then top off with at least 3” to 6” of GOOD organic weed-free compost.
Continue to rake fallen leaves from your lawn to avoid suffocation of your grass. Apply a granular mole/vole natural repellant if you have had problems with trails in your spring lawn.
Dig-up your rosemary plant then bring it inside for wintertime enjoyment. Not only will you be able to harvest the needles for culinary uses but it should offer some spectacular blue fragrant blooms sometime during the early to mid stages of winter.
Make sure to drain and possibly store your cast stone fountains and birdbaths to avoid freeze damage. It would also be wise to apply a coat of sealer to help protect the finish.
It is fun to set out stations of suet and other select wild bird feed to maintain a good bird population in your area. As mentioned above they will help rid your area of pesky little insects, thus reducing the amount of spraying during the spring and summer season.
If you have any Terra Cotta pottery outside it will be wise to bring it inside to avoid winter damage. You may also want to monitor other earthen pottery. We now sell only frost resistant pottery which has really reduced the amount of damage. It is so sad when spring arrives and you see damage to your patio investments.
As long as there is no hard frost in the soil you may still plant a few exciting and early spring blooming flower bulbs. Many times, at this time of the year there will be some great sales. Shop around as there are many great varieties to choose from and they will…. Or should I say might come back year after year….. Fun Fun Fun…… grab your shovel….
As the leaves fall from your trees make sure to put them into a compost pile……. Dango….. These leaves will make the BEST compost in the world. Layer them in with other debris as well as some finished compost. Moisten well and then cover with a tarp or plastic to help hold in the heat. You should turn the compost on occasion to help hasten the end result…. Happy composting.
Last but not least why not try “forcing” some flower bulbs for indoor color. Redmond Greenhouse has great choices of paper white narcissus, hyacinths, and amaryllis. You will usually need around seven weeks depending upon indoor temperatures. Use a GOOD potting soil and fertilize with Earth Juice (combine the “Grow” and the “Bloom” to give optimum feeding! Apply every 2 weeks once they start to grow. This practice will help ensure repeat blooms year after year.
Well that about wraps it up for this go around. Hope it helps you continue the world of gardening here in the High Desert……. Happy Autumn………… Eat an apple and smile… Doug
