By now the weather is starting to settle, but don’t be too quick to get tender plants outdoors. Parts of our region can still see frosts or even light freezes until at least the end of the month.
Prepare new planting areas, and get newly purchased or home-propagated perennials, vines, shrubs, and trees in the ground.
Divide perennials that bloom in late summer and fall, such as asters (Symphyotrichum spp., Zones 4-8), perennial sunflowers (Helianthus spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9), and warm-season ornamental grasses.
Indoors, start seeds of summer annuals such as celosias (Celosia spp. and cvs.), morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea), and zinnias (Zinnia spp. and cvs.), as well as squash-family vegetable crops, such as cucumbers, melons, and zucchini.
Prepare vegetable-garden beds for planting, and set out transplants of kale, cabbage, lettuce, and other cool-season crops.
Use copper-tape barriers to protect emerging perennials from slugs. Photo: Nancy J. Ondra
Nancy J. Ondra is the author of over fifteen books, including Grasses, The Perennial Care Manual, and The Perennial Matchmaker.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Gilmour 5/8" x 25' Round Weeper Soaker Hose
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Lightweight garden hose is made of 100% recycled vinyl for clog resistant, consistent soaking in the garden or around foundations. Can be installed above or below ground to efficiently deliver water directly to plant roots. Can be linked with other hoses to create your own DIY garden drip irrigation system, and is flexible for easy storage and space saving.
Fiskars 15" PowerGear Loppers—Sharp Steel Blade Bush and Tree Trimmer
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IDEAL BRANCH TRIMMER: Fiskars PowerGear Super Pruner glides through branches up to 1.5" thick for easy cuts; Works well for trimming tree branches to maintain your yard and garden and to encourage overall plant health and appearance. MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance; Non-slip grip handle allows for more control of clippers. LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars pruning shears and tools are built to last. QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: Designed to help you cultivate a better garden, Fiskars garden and yard tools are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space. INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars PowerGear Super Pruner/Garden Lopper; Full lifetime warranty.
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features:
· Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil
· Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds
· Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when
· Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening
· Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting
· Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.
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