Fall planting is awesome. Experienced gardeners know that fall is a great season for planting. The dreams of colorful spring gardens begin with the fall planting of bulbs, perennials and shrubs. In the autumn, it’s starting to get cool outside. The cooler temperatures make it much more appealing to be outdoors planting. Plus, your list of garden tasks is probably shorter than in the spring. Best of all, the soil is still warm enough for plant roots to thrive. They will grow and get established until the ground freezes. In addition, fall plant sales are the best. Many garden centers offer deep discounts because they don’t want to overwinter plants. Take advantage of these deals with fall planting. Autumn is a great time to add new plants to your yard and garden that will delight you come spring. “Fall planting gives spring-blooming bulbs and perennials a chance to get established in your garden before winter,” says Greg Niewold, owner of Power Planter. “And when you want new … [Read more...] about Fall Planting for Spring Flowers
planting
How to Plant an Apple Tree
Plant an Apple Tree Using these Step-by-Step Instructions. Planting an apple tree involves a combination of art and science. It begins with understanding your local conditions and ends with ongoing tree care. In this story, we will provide step-by-step instructions and photos showing the mechanics of how to plant an apple tree. Container-grown trees can be planted in the spring or fall. Bare root trees can be planted in the spring or fall when the trees are dormant. For more information about selecting the specific variety of apple tree that’s best for you, please read Chose the Right Variety of Apple Tree. Before You Go to the Tree Nursery Before you buy an apple tree, make sure there is enough space in your yard to accommodate a mature tree. Standard (full-sized) apple trees can reach 30-40 feet tall and can have a spread (width) of 30-40 feet. A semi-dwarf apple tree can grow to 14-20 feet tall and wide. A dwarf apple tree at maturity will typically reach 6-12 feet … [Read more...] about How to Plant an Apple Tree
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
Preparing your garden for winter is a fall activity for millions of gardeners and homeowners. If you are reading this story right now, you are in good company! Most people tend to think of spring when it comes to planting and gardening. However, autumn is a great time to get a head start on your garden for the following year. Here are a few things you should consider when preparing your garden for those cold winter months. Trim Hedges and Shrubs Preparing your garden for winter can begin with trimming your hedges and shrubs. The growth rate of plants slows down due to the cooler temperatures and reduced daylight. If you complete some prep during autumn, you won’t be faced with a lot of yard tasks during the winter. Pruning your hedges and shrubs in autumn makes them less vulnerable to freezing. And autumn is not bird nesting season, which is an important consideration when cutting back hedgerows. Working with heavy power tools can be dangerous, so you may want to … [Read more...] about Preparing Your Garden for Winter
The Joys of Fall Gardening
The joys of fall gardening include planting bulbs, planting cool season vegetables, planting trees and shrubs, and getting the garden ready for the winter to come. That's because fall just happens to be a great time in the garden. Even novice gardeners know that spring is a wonderful time for planting. Spring is Mother Nature’s season for rebirth, as new leaves emerge and flowers bloom. In Spring, every garden center is filled with annuals and perennials for planting. And seeds are sown for millions of backyard vegetable gardens. But experienced gardeners know the joys of fall gardening. They know autumn is also a wonderful time for gardening. And especially for planting. The summer days have cooled down, and plants are growing roots to help them hunker down for the chilly winter weather. Mike Lizotte is an experienced gardener. He is the managing partner of American Meadows, one of the top gardening companies in the United States. Mike is also known as "the seed man," … [Read more...] about The Joys of Fall Gardening
How to Grow Sunflowers
How to Grow Sunflowers: Classic Sunflowers and Popular Varieties. Sunflowers are well-loved flowers that bloom all summer. Their cheerful faces brighten the garden. They come in different colors from traditional sunny yellow to dark shades of ruby and claret red. And other varieties can also come in orange, gold, and brownish tones. Sunflowers are drought tolerant, resistant to pests, and attractive to pollinators and birds. Their large flowers make beautiful bouquets, and their seeds are a great source of food for birds and people. So, if you have considered growing sunflowers in your garden, we have growing and care tips that will keep your sunflowers healthy and strong. Types of Sunflowers The classic sunflower goes by the botanical name of Helianthus annuus. The petals are bright yellow, and the large circular center (where the seeds form) is dark brown. There are many varieties (or cultivars) of this classic sunflower. These include mammoth sunflower, Helianthus … [Read more...] about How to Grow Sunflowers
