Days are getting shorter, and weather has cooled. Autumn is right around the corner. Follow these guidelines to help your garden and landscape transition smoothly from summer to fall.
Planting
» September is the best time to set out landscape plants. Shop early to find the nicest trees and shrubs.
» When planting containerized plants, try to be certain to disturb or “open up” the plants’ root ball.
» Set out new chrysanthemum plants this month.
» Plant pansies to add color to your yard in the autumn, winter and spring months.
» Groundcovers will become well established if planted now.
» Transplant any evergreen trees or shrubs that need moving this month.
» Plant the following fall vegetables in September: mustard, onion, radish and turnip.
Pruning
» Do not prune shrubs in September, October or November.
Lawn care
» Tall fescue lawns should be seeded this month. Remember to mulch the newly seeded areas with wheat or barley straw.
» Fertilize and lime your tall fescue lawns according to soil test results.
» Do not fertilize warm-season grasses like centipedegrass, Bermudagrass and zoysia now.
Propagation
» Spring flowering bulbs can be divided and replanted this month. Daffodils will be the bulbs that most likely need this consideration.
Specific chores
» Mulch your favorite landscape plants for the winter.
» Clean up garden sprayers and lawn equipment if not in use.
» Prepare houseplants to re-enter your home. Bring them inside a little each day and rid them of insect pests.
» If you do not have a fall vegetable garden, chop, burn, or discard dead vegetable plants.
» Look for spring flowering bulbs to plant in October.
For answers to your garden and landscape questions, visit http://iredell.ces.ncsu.edu or call the Iredell Cooperative Extension Service office at 704-873-0507.
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