Feature Cool Season Cleanup

Put Your Garden to Bed With a Checklist

Key fall gardening tasks include dividing perennials, controlling pests, planting overwintering vegetables and caring for the soil. These preparations enhance plant health and spring growth, resulting in a more organized and beautiful garden year-round. Late fall is time for a tuck-in-the-beds checklist.

Fall tasks can include digging tender perennials such as dahlias, caladiums and cannas, and storing them over the winter. Heather Stoven, Oregon State University’ s extension horticulturist of Yamhill County, told AcreageLife that perennials that bloom in spring and summer should be divided in the fall when they are no longer blooming.

“ Before digging, water the soil where the plant is and where you plan to plant the divisions. It is recommended to divide these on a cooler day so the divisions are not stressed. Make sure the soil doesn’ t dry after planting and water as needed,” she said.

Divide perennials that bloom in spring and summer. Record which perennials are divided and where they are stored.

Check plants for pests and disease, remove all infected foliage and debris.

Plant some vegetables that will overwinter in the garden like spinach, peas, fava beans, spring cabbage or swiss chard.

Harvest all the garden vegetables you forgot about. Pull dead or dying annuals and clean beds of debris.

Plant bulbs, garlic and rhubarb for early spring growth.

Protect bulbs from scavengers and squirrels using mulch or netting.

Prune perennials and woody bushes for better spring growth. Plant trees and shrubs up until frost.

Check the soil and make any necessary soil amelioration. Depending on the soil, add fertilizer, compost or bone meal.

Bring houseplants and herbs indoors, these include chives, mint, parsley, oregano, thyme and basil.

Mound soil or mulch around roses to protect them. Start a compost pile. Clean your garden tools.

28 AcreageLife October 2024 AcreageLife. com