Fall is here at Knippel's - but don't worry! This doesn't mean we are tucking in our plants (or staff) for their winter sleep just yet, and neither should you. Fall is a great season for gardening, and here are some tips to help you make the most of it:
1) Keep watering! We can't emphasize this enough. Just because the temperatures are slightly cooler, doesn't mean it's not dry. And with the sweltering week we have been having, your plants are probably very thirsty. They will come back much healthier and happier next spring if they are given ample refreshment, right up until the ground freezes.
2) Now is a great time to plant evergreens of all sizes. Cooler temperatures make for less stress caused by transplanting, allowing the plant to better focus on root development and hardening off for the winter. To ensure your evergreen thrives, use bonemeal and follow the watering directions above.
3) Don't give into the fall 'blahs' - Fall is an amazing season for spectacular shows of colour and texture! Experiment and be creative - we have a huge selection of blooming fall plantables that will provide bright displays right up until a harsh frost. Try mums, asters, kale, millet, ornamental pepper, icicle pansies, dianthus and balloon flower, to name a few. We have pot-stuffers, more established sizes, and for instant interest, pre-made patio planters that are ready to go!
4) Get a head start on spring will bulbs! Daffodils and Croci should be planted immediately, and will start to emerge before the snow has completely thawed next spring. Tulips and Hyacinths should be planted a little later - any time between the beginning of October and when the ground completely freezes. All of these come in a wide array of sizes, styles and colours - play with these elements to make a statement that reflects you!
5) Make your lawn the envy of the neghbourhood. Fall is a great time to apply fertilizer and overseed. Cooler temperatures allow the grass seed to germinate fairly quickly for that noticeably lush look. Overseeding is also the best natural way to crowd out pesky weeds - if your lawn has a dense root structure, other things like dandelions and crabgrass are less able to poke through.
Overall, fall should not be seen as simply the end of the gardening season, but instead, as a great opportunity to recreate and reinvigorate the landscape! Be sure to appreciate all that Mother Nature has to offer during this wonderful time of year. Enjoy!!