Yes, of course, the garden fun continues after Labor Day. While the harvest season for vegetables and other crops is mostly over, other crops can still grow in the colder months. We talked to the experts at Bachman's, one of Minnesota's most trusted garden centers, for tips and tricks on how to liven up your life with beautiful foliage this fall and next.
Do it: Perennials, shrubs, trees and annuals are colorful
"Can you keep growing perennials, I think that's a question for everybody," said Leslie Rauch, Bachmann's vice president of visual merchandising. Echinacea and rudbeckia are recommended fall plants, but there are many options that will do well in winter with the right care. Bachmann horticulturist Heather Johnson recommends celosia, ornamental cabbage and colorful mums for your fall annuals to quickly add color to your patio or garden. In Bachmann's very beautiful autumn containers we saw many ornamental cabbages on the scene. Herbs, evergreens and even fruit trees such as cherry and apple trees can be planted with great success at this time of year.
Don't do it! Stop watering too soon
Hydration is key. This is the key to successful planting and surviving the winter," said Rau. "Even though topsoil may return, the system will continue to grow until it freezes," says Rauch, which means you should run your irrigation system late in November and into December, which is much slower than most people. expect. understand. Adding compost is a good idea to protect the system from harsh winters.
do. Cut leaves with grass.
If a leafless lawn is not your priority, leaving leaf residue on the ground and mowing it with grass can be a very profitable option to get you back on your feet next season. "You can use it as compost or mulch in the soil, which makes it a good preservative, and it's free," Johnson explains. It is also ideal for carbon recycling. Compost breaks down leaves, releasing carbon into the soil and providing nutrients to your plants or garden. Less lawn "waste" ending up in landfills, and healthier grass and plants is a win-win solution.
Mi: Let the plants die or get sick
“Illness can run rampant,” Johnson said. "It's important to make sure you don't plant it and throw it away." If you want to decorate the inside of your house "from the outside", you can reuse some dead leaves or other plant cuttings and parts as decorations. Brush piles and wood piles can also be a breeding ground for many pests, so try not to place too many of them, especially near plants.
Tip: Decorate your patio or patio with containers.
When you're thinking about what to put in that pretty dropper basket you just bought, Bachman suggests the tried-and-true "move, fill and toss" method. This philosophy basically says: Choose something tall and attractive for the middle (think dry grass or celosia), something more active to fill the gaps (perhaps the ornamental kale mentioned earlier), and something to start on the side:' a "spill" container (rotating jenny and petunias are good choices). To make gardening easier, "try to maintain the same level of maintenance and water for all plants," advises Johnson. It is important to do your research and think ahead so you don't mind the different parts of the property in nature and to make sure there is enough sunlight for everyone wherever the property is.
Don't forget to help your pollinator!
"Pollen is basically what keeps most plants alive," Johnson reminds us. They not only enhance our beautiful landscape, but also support our food system (every fruit starts with a flower). To help your birds, butterflies, bees and yes, your bees do their job, we can continue to provide flowering plants throughout the fall and reduce the use of harsh chemicals. Johnson also recommends setting aside a section of your lawn that you don't use regularly for a pollinator. "One thing a lot of people don't understand is that if you let your grass grow, it will thrive," he says. Keeping the grass growing a bit is a great way to keep pollinators happy.
If you're still wondering how to plant or care for your fall garden, unsure of planting dates, or have questions about garden care, fear not, the Bachman family has plenty of resources just for you on their website and YouTube channel. Johnson recommends visiting the University of Minnesota website for more in-depth research and if you have unanswered questions.
Oh, and don't forget to check out Bachman's Fall Idea House on Lindale Street in Minneapolis for fall decorating inspiration through October 2nd. A percentage of all ticket sales will benefit Second Harvest Heartland.
Happy gardening!
