Ed Perry: Ready to plant? Make sure you do your homework
The gardening adage of "fall is for planting" becomes obvious as gardeners, inspired by mild autumn weather, begin preparing for new landscape plantings. Whether you're planting an entire new landscape or only a shrub or two, there are hundreds of different plants to choose from. It's important to know the characteristics of each plant you purchase, particularly for trees that will grow large.
Does your lawn have bare spots? Early fall is a good time to fix them
Many lawns deteriorate from poor maintenance, inadequate drainage, heavy traffic, pest problems, weed invasions, or simply because the wrong grass species was planted. If localized areas of dead or dying grass have developed in your lawn, you may want to consider patching the spots, rather than doing a complete renovation.
Good water management leads to healthy plants
Water management is by far the most important cultural practice in gardens during the summertime. Too much or too little water damages or kills plants, so it's important to apply just the right amount. For many, especially inexperienced gardeners, it can be difficult trying to determine the amount of water that is just right.
Columnists: Ed Perry
- Soil aerification improves lawn health and appearance
- Citrus trees benefit from light, selective pruning
- Gardeners should recognize and encourage natural enemies
- Look for aphids on new spring growth
- It's important to control weeds around young fruit trees
- Why do flowers have colors?
- Stop the surge of spotted spurge
- It's not too early to start seedlings
- Consider proper area for plants
- Oils can be effective in handling bugs
- Don't till soil until it's ready
- Soil layers can restrict drainage
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