The tawney hues of autumn and the cooler days entice us to spend more time outside. Examine chrysanthemum stakes to make certain branches are securely fastened to withstand damaging winds and rains.
Several gardeners attach a covering to stakes driven around the flower bed. This covering protects flowers from hard rains and early frosts and is easily removed.
Make stakes tall so covering will not smother blossoms.
Sow Bermuda Grass
Sow Bermuda grass right away. The seed will not germinate in temperatures below 80° degrees Fahrenheit.
Plant ryegrass for a green lawn all winter. Sow over your permanent lawn and keep it well-mowed.
On new lawns, you may sow winter grass and set plugs of:
- St. Augustine
- Centipede
- Zoysia
All make good thick carpets and are winter hardy. Feed with all-purpose plant food, either pellet or soluble types.
Growing Culture Of Peonies
Contrary to popular opinion, peonies grow in our region and nicely bloom if planted in the open sun.
I talked with a man whose peonies have bloomed every April for 20 years.
Mine grew successfully in the same spot for ten years until they were moved.
Peonies seem to prefer very little shade and non-acid soil. So I plan to order some now and plant them in our Red River soil in full sun.
Bring potted plants into the house for winter. Some will be overgrown and need pruning before they are moved.
Root cuttings or distribute to gardening friends.
Refrigerate Tulip Bulbs
Refrigerate tulip bulbs for a few weeks and do not plant until cold weather.
Beginning gardeners are often disappointed when their tulips fail.
Our climate is not really cold enough for tulips, but if refrigerated for 6 weeks and planted in December, they usually do well.
44659 by Minnie Hall Brown