Last week I told you about some gardening chores that are best done around Labor Day. This week I’m going to tell you some things NOT to do in the fall.
- Don’t prune shrubs or trees now. Pruning triggers new growth. If you prune now, the first frost we have will likely kill or heavily damage any new growth. If you prune any spring-blooming trees or shrubs, you may not get any flowers next spring.
- Don’t plant any summer plants now. Summer annuals like marigolds, zinnias, impatiens, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers die as days get shorter and temperatures drop. Plant only cool-season flowers and veggies and winter-hardy trees or shrubs.
- Don’t feed outdoor plants in the fall as it can make them send up new shoots which are way more likely to get killed or damaged by cold weather.
- Do not feed houseplants summering outside after the first of October. They don’t need fertilizer as days get shorter and shorter.
- Do not leave dying summer plants in the ground. Marigolds, geraniums, impatiens, spent tomatoes, cukes, etc. are great hiding places for insects and diseases so get them out of there. Same for any old fruits that hit the ground. Discard them.
- Don’t cut back perennial flowers with seed heads and dried flowers as they provide winter forage for birds.
- Do remember to keep outdoor plants watered until the ground freezes as trees, shrubs, and perennials are still growing and forming new roots, even though a bit more slowly in the fall.
And another DO—do find time to sit on your deck or patio and enjoy some not-so-hot fall days.