Autumn in the North comes much earlier than in other regions of the country.
September ushers in our fall planting season, the time to put in lawns, trees and shrubs, hardy bulbs, and perennials.
Plant Evergreens in Early Fall
It is wise to plant evergreens in early fall, when free from their spring task of supporting new growth.
For successful planting and transplanting, place evergreens in the soil as early in September as possible to allow roots to reestablish before freeze-up.
Fall Planting and Flowering of Perennials in Spring
Early fall planting of various perennials which bloom in spring and early summer allows them to bloom better in their first season.
For this same reason, fall-flowering perennials are best planted in spring. Hardy chrysanthemums and perennial asters, for example, fall into this category.
Fertilize budding mums now to improve flower and stem quality. Apply about one-half the recommended amount of liquid plant food. An analysis such as 5-10-5 is good for this purpose.
Chrysanthemums: Colorful Fall Season
Chrysanthemums make the fall season colorful. Now is the appropriate time to get acquainted with the many varieties of the hardy garden mum.
Note especially the early flowering ones; these are the best varieties to grow in our cold Northern climate.
Hardy Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Hardy spring-flowering bulbs are now on the market. Plant them when obtainable so as to allow a sufficient amount of time for roots to form before cold weather arrives (tulips can be planted either in early or late fall).
These bulbs grow best in soil prepared to a depth of 12” to 18” inches.
Plant them a little deeper than the standard recommendation (an inch or two for crocus, hyacinth, and narcissus). Our severe Northern winters necessitate this.
44659 by Robert A. Phillips