Tips for Fall

A sure sign that autumn is here, is the range of spring flower bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinths, alliums, along with all the dwarf spring flowering bulbs such as iris reticulata, chionodoxa, grape-hyacinths, dwarf tulips and narcissus are now available to buy in our Garden Shoppe.

Bring in to the house any plants that have been outside for the summer, before the nights get too cold, these include, non hardy Azaleas, Cymbidium Orchids, Clivias, Citrus, tender Palms and others. Clean them up before you bring them into the house or conservatory. Also check them over for any pests such as aphids or slugs hiding in the foliage or pot. Now is also the time to finish off any potting on or repotting that needs to be done before the plant growth naturally begins to slow down in the Fall.

Lift any begonia tubers you may wish to save for next year, remove as much soil as possible then leave the remainder to fall off naturally, over winter in frost free place.

- Dahlia plants will have been frosted, cut off the brown tops to within 20cm of the tuber or ground level, lift the tubers, turn upside down for a few days to allow the moisture to drain out of the tuber. Clean up the tubers. Once dry, store in a frost free place for the winter, remember to make sure you have labeled your tubers before storing.

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS

- A good selection of spring flowering bulbs are still available such as daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinths, along with many dwarf flowering bulbs.

- Many bulbs such as daffodils, narcissus and un-prepared hyacinths can still be planted in bowls or flower pots for flowering indoors in the new year. Remember if using a bowl with no drainage hole then an all purpose potting mix must be used.

LAWNS

- Regular mowing comes to an end so for the last cut or two, raise the cutting height. The edges of the lawn should be trimmed for winter.

- Rake up fallen leaves, which will harm the grass if left on the lawn and encourage worm problems.

HOUSEPLANTS

- Finish bringing in any plants that have been outside for the summer also finish an repotting or potting on that needs to be done.

- Slow down on feeding house plants unless they are still actively growing. Stop feeding at the end of October.

- As the evenings get cooler take any tender plants off the window ledges before you draw the curtains at night.

- Continue to pot spring flowering bulbs for Christmas and the new year, keep them in a cool dark place and bring only a few pots in at a time to a warm room to flower in succession.

- Be careful with watering now, do not over water, but remember when the heating is on some plants may dry out quicker than others, it they are nears heat registers, the air is very dry.

- Any dull leaves can be cleaned with leaf shine or leaf wipes.

Favorite Fall Tip

The Fall colours of leaves and berries are now at their best, so always have a notebook handy to record the names of any trees, shrubs or plants that you like, so that you can purchase these for your garden.