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
Spearhead Shade Gardening Shovel with Steel-Reinforced Fiberglass Handle
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Reduce Digging Effort - The Spear Head Spade is the first hybrid shovel/spade, guaranteed to make your toughest digging up to 80% easier than regular shovels and spades, even in the toughest soil conditions. Ideal for landscaping and gardening.
Multi-Purpose Shovel - Spear Head Spade is a versatile tool that can be used for digging, planting, weeding, cutting, and edging. It is designed to handle tough soil and clay conditions, and can cut through roots and tough vegetation with ease.
Innovative Design - Has a unique blade design that makes it more efficient and easier to use than traditional spades. The blade is shaped like a spearhead, with a pointed tip and a curved edge that allows it to penetrate the soil more easily.
Ergonomic D-Handle - The large, cushioned D-grip offers comfort and better leverage for gloved and ungloved hands alike, reducing strain on the hands and wrists. Lightweight & Strong - Durable handle is made of special steel-reinforced, pultruded fiberglass to withstand heavy use. 60% stronger than EN-3388 shovel/spade standards, 33% thicker and 25% harder than normal shovels. Sharpened from tip to tail at a 35 degree angle for an effective and durable edge.
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Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Chainsaw, 10-Inch, Tool Only (LCS1020B)
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10 inches premium oregon low kickback bar and chain. Tool-free blade tension system for quick adjustments. Oiling system for lubrication of bar and chain. 20V max Lithium Ion chainsaw bare tool. Included components: (1) Lbxr2020, (1) Lcs1620, (1) Lcs1020; Power source: Lithium ion. Battery and charger sold separately.
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